“ ‘If only they would allow me to explain all to his excellency! If I could but be permitted to tell my tale to him!’ he cried, trembling with feverish agitation, and his eyes flashing with excitement. I repeated once more that I could not hold out much hope⁠—that it would probably end in smoke, and if I did not turn up next morning they must make up their minds that there was no more to be done in the matter.

“They showed me out with bows and every kind of respect; they seemed quite beside themselves. I shall never forget the expression of their faces!