“Here, on the verandah? Very well, I’ll tell them all not to come and wake you. Papa has gone out somewhere.”

The servant left the room. Vera was about to follow her, but returned and approached the prince with a preoccupied air.

“Prince!” she said, “have pity on that poor boy; don’t turn him out today.”

“Not for the world; he shall do just as he likes.”

“He won’t do any harm now; and⁠—and don’t be too severe with him.”

“Oh dear no! Why⁠—”

“And⁠—and you won’t laugh at him? That’s the chief thing.”

“Oh no! Never.”