第21章 CHAPTER III THE PRINCE AND THE ENGLISH TRAVELLER(2

`From the moment that I am a free man,' Sir John replied, this time with perfect courtesy, `I am wholly at your Highness's command; and if you will excuse a rather summary toilet, I will even follow you, as I am.'

`I thank you, sir,' said Otto.

So without more delay, the Prince leading, the pair proceeded down through the echoing stairway of the tower, and out through the grating, into the ample air and sunshine of the morning, and among the terraces and flower-beds of the garden. They crossed the fish- pond, where the carp were leaping as thick as bees; they mounted, one after another, the various flights of stairs, snowed upon, as they went, with April blossoms, and marching in time to the great orchestra of birds. Nor did Otto pause till they had reached the highest terrace of the garden. Here was a gate into the park, and hard by, under a tuft of laurel, a marble garden seat. Hence they looked down on the green tops of many elm-trees, where the rooks were busy; and, beyond that, upon the palace roof, and the yellow banner flying in the blue. I pray you to be seated, sir,' said Otto.

Sir John complied without a word; and for some seconds Otto walked to and fro before him, plunged in angry thought. The birds were all singing for a wager.

`Sir,' said the Prince at length, turning towards the Englishman, `you are to me, except by the conventions of society, a perfect stranger.

Of your character and wishes I am ignorant. I have never wittingly disobliged you. There is a difference in station, which I desire to waive. I would, if you still think me entitled to so much consideration -- I would be regarded simply as a gentleman. Now, sir, I did wrong to glance at these papers, which I here return to you; but if curiosity be undignified, as I am free to own, falsehood is both cowardly and cruel. I opened your roll; and what did I find -- what did I find about my wife; Lies!' he broke out. `They are lies! There are not, so help me God! four words of truth in your intolerable libel! You are a man; you are old, and might be the girl's father; you are a gentleman; you are a scholar, and have learned refinement; and you rake together all this vulgar scandal, and propose to print it in a public book! Such is your chivalry! But, thank God, sir, she has still a husband.

You say, sir, in that paper in your hand, that I am a bad fencer; I have to request from you a lesson in the art. The park is close behind; yonder is the Pheasant House, where you will find your carriage; should I fall, you know, sir -- you have written it in your paper -- how little my movements are regarded; I am in the custom of disappearing; it will be one more disappearance; and long before it has awakened a remark, you may be safe across the border.'

`You will observe,' said Sir John, `that what you ask is impossible.'

`And if I struck you?' cried the Prince, with a sudden menacing flash.

`It would be a cowardly blow,' returned the Baronet, unmoved, `for it would make no change. I cannot draw upon a reigning sovereign.'

`And it is this man, to whom you dare not offer satisfaction, that you choose to insult!' cried Otto.