“Oh, that wretched donkey again, I see!” cried the lady. “I assure you, prince, I was not guilty of the least⁠—”

“Insinuation? Oh! I assure you, I take your word for it.” And the prince continued laughing merrily.

“I must say it’s very nice of you to laugh. I see you really are a kindhearted fellow,” said Mrs. Epanchin.

“I’m not always kind, though.”