innocent, it would have been at most an indiscretion. Your own
guilt is the sting of my offence.'

Sir John regarded Otto with an approving twinkle; then he bowed, but
still in silence.

'Well, sir, as you are now at your entire disposal, I have a favour to
beg of your indulgence,' continued the Prince. 'I have to request that
you will walk with me alone into the garden so soon as your convenience
permits.'

'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;