on the
whole, after the present interview, I scarce know anybody that I like
better than yourself. You see, I have changed my mind, and have the
uncommon virtue to avow the change. I tear up this stuff before you,
here in your own garden; I ask your pardon, I ask the pardon of the
Princess; and I give you my word of honour as a gentleman and an old
man, that when my book of travels shall appear it shall not contain so
much as the name of Gruenewald. And yet it was a racy chapter! But had
your Highness only read about the other courts! I am a carrion crow; but
it is not my fault, after all, that the world is such a nauseous
kennel."

"Sir," said Otto, "is the eye not jaundiced?"

"Nay," cried the traveller, "very likely. I am one who goes sniffing; I
am no poet. I believe in a better future for the world; or, at all
accounts, I do most potently disbelieve in the present. Rotten eggs is
the burthen of my song. But indeed, your Highness, when I meet with any
merit, I do not think that I am slow to recognise it. This is a day that
I shall still recall with gratitude, for I have found a sovereign with
some manly virtues; and for once--old courtier and old radical as I
am--it is from the heart and quite sincerely that I can request the
honour of kissing your Highness's hand?"

"Nay, sir," said Otto, "to my heart!"

And the Englishman, taken at unawares, was clasped for a moment in the
Prince's arms.

"And now, sir," added Otto, "there is the Pheasant House; close behind
it you will find my carriage, which I pray you to accept. God speed you
to Vienna!"

"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 Gruenewald."

"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.