Hugo--I am glad you have come so far to see your father before he dies." I told him how I had come, and brought Dessauer forward, introducing him as one great in the kingdom where I was, and to whom I was much beholden.

He shook him by the hand with grave, intent courtesy, and again looked at me.
"Now, father," said I, "we have no long time to bide with you, lest the new Duke come upon us.

We must hie us back to our lodging with the Bishop Peter, lest we be missed." My father smiled.
"Ye will live but sparely there!" said he, with a flicker of his ancient smile.
"Tell us how you came to this," said I, "and, if you can, why Helene, our little Helene, stands so terribly accused." My father paused a long time before he began to answer.
"It is not easy for me to tell you all," he said.

"I know and I have the words, but, somehow, when I try to fit the words to the thing, they run asunder and will not mix, like water and oil.

But see, Hugo, here is an elixir of rare value.