It was like oil upon the troubled waters; every one settled instantly into his place, and Griesengesang, to give himself a countenance, became absorbed in the arrangement of his papers; but in their eagerness to dissemble, one and all neglected to rise.
'Gentlemen,' said the Prince, pausing.
They all got to their feet in a moment; and this reproof still further demoralised the weaker brethren.
The Prince moved slowly towards the lower end of the table; then he paused again, and, fixing his eye on Greisengesang, 'How comes it, Herr Cancellarius,' he asked, 'that I have received no notice of the change of hour ?' 'Your Highness,' replied the Chancellor, 'her Highness the Princess.

.

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' and there paused.
'I understood,' said Seraphina, taking him up, 'that you did not purpose to be present.' Their eyes met for a second, and Seraphina's fell; but her anger only burned the brighter for that private shame.
'And now, gentlemen,' said Otto, taking his chair, 'I pray you to be seated.

I have been absent: there are doubtless some arrears; but ere we proceed to business, Herr Grafinski, you will direct four thousand crowns to be sent to me at once.