Part 16 (2/2)
There was no answer; but as secret messengers were by no means uncommon, Lote did not dare to refuse him admittance, so, opening the door, she ushered him into the room where the fool was dressing.
Frolich turned towards the stranger as he entered, and, immediately a.s.suming his role, saluted him with exaggerated politeness, and, bending half-double, inquired,--
”What can we do for your Excellency?”
”Mr. Frolich,” said the stranger modestly, ”do not joke at a poor man; you may rather be excellency than me.”
”What?” said Frolich, ”I before you? Was it the King that sent you with such a joke?”
”No; I am come on my own account, and I beg you for a moment's conversation.”
”An audience, eh?” said the fool, looking important. ”Donnerwetter!
Have I become a minister? But at our Court everything is possible. The ministers like each other so well that soon none of them will remain.
Then your turn and mine will come; only I must be the Secretary to the Treasury.”
Heedless of this buffoonery, the new-comer remained sorrowful.
”Well, I will grant you a moment's conversation,” continued the fool, seating himself in an arm-chair and taking the pose of a person of great importance. Yet still the stranger did not smile.
”Mr. Frolich,” said he, ”you will be surprised when you learn that I come to you on a very serious matter.”
”Then you have not entered the proper door.”
”You are mistaken. I see you every day at Court, and I know from your face that you are a very good-hearted man.”
”My dear man, I am sure you wish to borrow some money,” interrupted the fool, ”but I must tell you at once that it is useless. I give everything--advice, smiles, bows, but not money! I haven't any; the King has no money, so how could I get any?”
”I did not dream of asking you for money.”
”Ah!” breathed the fool, ”then what the deuce do you want from me?”
”I want to ask your protection.”
”The idea! The protection of a fool! I see you wear the Court livery, but you have a foreign accent. Who are you?”
”I am a Pole; my name is Raymond Zaklika.”
”A Pole, then a n.o.bleman, that's understood,” said the fool; ”be seated, I respect the n.o.bility, and as I am a burgher, I shall stand.”
”Don't joke, Mr. Frolich!”
”I should swallow my own tongue, if I didn't joke. But we have not much time, so tell me what you want.”
For a few moments the youth was unable to speak; the good humour of the fool evidently disconcerted him.
”Permit me first to tell you a little about myself,” said he at length.
<script>