I thank you for this privilege."

"I hope you will make the acquaintance of this pie, and find it
agreeable," said the king. "Eat, monsieur, and let us chat in the mean
while--Henry, why are you standing there so grave and respectful, not
daring to be seated? I do not believe this gentleman to be a prince
travelling incognito."

"No, sir, take your place," exclaimed the stranger, laughing, "you will
not offend etiquette. I give you my word that I am no concealed prince,
and no worshipper of princes. I am proud to declare this."

"Ah! you are proud not to be a prince?"

"Certainly, sir."

"It appears to me," said Balby, looking at the king, "that a prince has
a great and enviable position."

"But a position, unfortunately, that but few princes know how to fill
worthily," said the king, smiling. "Every man who is sufficient for
himself is to be envied."

"You speak my thoughts exactly, sir," said the stranger, who had
commenced eating his piece of pie with great zeal. "Only the free are
happy."

"Are you happy?" asked the king.

"Yes, sir; at least for the moment I am."

"What countryman are you?"

"I am a Swiss, sir."

"A worthy and respectable people. From what part of Switzerland do you
come?"

"From the little town of Merges."

"Not far, then, from Lausanne, and the lonely lake of Geneva, not far
from Ferney, where the great Voltaire resides, and from whence he darts
his scorching, lightning-flashes to-day upon those whom he blessed
yesterday. Are you satisfied with your government? Are not your
patrician families a little too proud? Are not even the citizens of
Berne arrogant and imperious?"

"We have to complain of them, sir, but very rarely."

"Are you now residing in Holland?"

"No, I am travelling," answered the stranger, shortly. He had held for
a long time a piece of pie on his fork, trying in vain to put it in his
mouth.

The king had not observed this; he had forgotten that kings and princes
only have the right to carry on a conversation wholly with questions,
and that it did not become Mr. Zoller to be so inquisitive.

"What brought you here?" he asked, hastily.

"To complete my studies, sir," and, with a clouded brow, the stranger
laid his fork and pie upon his plate.

But the king's questions flowed on in a continued stream.

"Do you propose to remain here?"

"I believe not, or rather I do not yet know," answered the stranger,
with a sarcastic smile, that brought Balby to d