"I came upon the errand of a moment: some papers I left over-night with
the Herr Doctor," said the Chancellor of Gruenewald.--"Herr Doctor, if
you will kindly give me them, I will intrude no longer."

Gotthold unlocked a drawer and handed a bundle of manuscript to the old
gentleman, who prepared, with fitting salutations, to take his
departure.

"Herr Greisengesang, since we have met," said Otto, "let us talk."

"I am honoured by his Highness's commands," replied the Chancellor.

"All has been quiet since I left?" asked the Prince, resuming his seat.

"The usual business, your Highness," answered Greisengesang; "punctual
trifles: huge, indeed, if neglected, but trifles when discharged. Your
Highness is most zealously obeyed."

"Obeyed, Herr Cancellarius?" returned the Prince. "And when have I
obliged you with an order? Replaced, let us rather say. But to touch
upon these trifles; instance me a few."

"The routine of government, from which your Highness has so wisely
dissociated his leisure ..." began Greisengesang.

"We will leave my leisure, sir," said Otto. "Approach the facts."

"The routine of business was proceeded with," replied the official, now
visibly twittering.

"It is very strange, Herr Cancellarius, that you should so persistently
avoid my questions," said the Prince. "You tempt me to suppose a purpose
in your dulness. I have asked you whether all was quiet; do me the
pleasure to reply."

"Perfectly--O, perfectly quiet," jerked the ancient puppet, with every
signal of untruth.

"I make a note of these words," said the Prince gravely. "You assure me,
your sovereign, that since the date of my departure nothing has occurred
of which you owe me an account."

"I take your Highness, I take the Herr Doctor to witness," cried
Greisengesang, "that I have had no such expression."

"Halt!" said the Prince; and then, after a pause: "Herr Greisengesang,
you are an old man, and you served my father before you served me," he
added. "It consists neither with your dignity nor mine that you should
babble excuses and stumble possibly upon untruths. Collect your
thoughts; and then categorically inform me of all you have been charged
to hide."

Gotthold, stooping very low over his desk, appeared to have resumed his
labours; but his shoulders heaved with subterranean merriment. The
Prince waited, drawing his handkerchief quietly through his fingers.

"Your Highness, in this informal manner," said the old g