`In the impetuosity of youth,' replied Sir John, `your Highness has overlooked one circumstance. I am still fasting.'

`Well, sir,' said Otto, smiling, `you are your own master; you may go or stay. But I warn you, your friend may prove less powerful than your enemies. The Prince, indeed, is thoroughly on your side; he has all the will to help; but to whom do I speak? -- you know better than I do, he is not alone in Grünewald.'

`There is a deal in position,' returned the traveller, gravely nodding. `Gondremark loves to temporise; his policy is below ground, and he fears all open courses; and now that I have seen you act with so much spirit, I will cheerfully risk myself on your protection. Who knows? You may be yet the better man.'

`Do you indeed believe so?' cried the Prince. `You put life into my heart!'

`I will give up sketching portraits,' said the Baronet. `I am a blind owl; I had misread you strangely. And yet remember this; a sprint is one thing, and to run all day another. For I still mistrust your constitution; the short nose, the hair and eyes of several complexions; no, they are diagnostic; and I must end, I see, as I began.'

`I am still a singing chambermaid?' said Otto.

`Nay, your Highness, I pray you to forget what I had written,' said Sir John; `I am not like Pilate; and the chapter is no more. Bury it, if you love me.'