rning to the Baronet. "I
regret it from my heart that you have met inhospitable usage."

"Well, there will be no English war," returned Sir John.

"Nay, sir," said Otto; "you surely owe me your civility. Matters are now
changed, and we stand again upon the footing of two gentlemen. It was
not I who ordered your arrest; I returned late last night from hunting;
and as you cannot blame me for your imprisonment, you may even thank me
for your freedom."

"And yet you read my papers," said the traveller shrewdly.

"There, sir, I was wrong," returned Otto; "and for that I ask your
pardon. You can scarce refuse it, for your own dignity, to one who is a
plexus of weaknesses. Nor was the fault entirely mine. Had the papers
been 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 towa