'They refused you the money,' she said when he had done. 'And you
accepted the refusal? Well!'
'They gave their reasons,' replied Otto, colouring. 'They were not
such as I could combat; and I am driven to dilapidate the funds of
my own country by a theft. It is not dignified; but it is fun.'
'Fun,' she said; 'yes.' And then she remained silently plunged in
thought for an appreciable time. 'How much do you require?' she
asked at length.
'Three thousand crowns will do,' he answered, 'for I have still some
money of my own.'
'Excellent,' she said, regaining her levity. 'I am your true
accomplice. And where are we to meet?'
'You know the Flying Mercury,' he answered, 'in the Park? Three
pathways intersect; there they have made a seat and raised the
statue. The spot is handy and the deity congenial.'
'Child,' she said, and tapped him with her fan. 'But do you know,
my Prince, you are an egoist - your handy trysting-place is miles
from me. You must give me ample time; I cannot, I think, possibly
be there before two. But as the bell beats two, your helper shall
arrive: welcome, I trust. Stay - do you bring any one?' she added.
'O, it is not for a chaperon - I am not a prude!'
'I shall bring a groom of mine,' said Otto. 'I caught him stealing
corn.'
'His name?' she asked.
'I profess I know not. I am not yet intimate with my corn-stealer,'
returned the Prince.
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