Make a note, if you please,' he added, as the treasurer still stared in wonder.
'Four thousand crowns ?' asked Seraphina.

'Pray, for what ?' 'Madam,' returned Otto, smiling, 'for my own purposes.' Gondremark spurred up Grafinski underneath the table.
'If your Highness will indicate the destination.

.

.

' began the puppet.
'You are not here, sir, to interrogate your Prince,' said Otto.
Grafinski looked for help to his commander; and Gondremark came to his aid, in suave and measured tones.
'Your Highness may reasonably be surprised,' he said; 'and Herr Grafinski, although I am convinced he is clear of the intention of offending, would have perhaps done better to begin with an explanation.
The resources of the state are at the present moment entirely swallowed up, or, as we hope to prove, wisely invested.