The Prince, who was standing on a white bear's skin by the mantel, motioned him to it, saying: "Ah, Phadrig, my friend, punctual, of course; and equally, of course, you have something important to impart.

Your wire just caught me in time to put off an engagement which, happily, is of no great consequence.

There's the coffee, and you'll find the cigars you like in the second drawer.

Now, what is the news ?" His guest filled a cup of coffee and took a cigar and lit it before he replied.

Then, turning to the Prince, he said in his usual slow, even tone: "Highness, I regret to say that my news is both urgent and bad." "It would naturally be urgent," said the Prince, turning quickly towards him, "but bad I hardly expected.