The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-01-20

I sure?' 4 have just left his majesty
said I. who are you?' said he. / told
him. Then he asked: When did his
majesty return l gave him an ac-
count of the matter He then thought
awhile, and said that he was your
majestyS new secretary, Muller, rec
commended to your majesty by his high
ness, Prince Charles of Andel Schwartz
burg; that he had just arrived in the
city this morning, and that he would
await your majesty'S pleasure where he
Was''
| was very much relieved to find that
my new secretary was a stranger to
the place. and to the person of his
| master. 1t was wonderful how things
We're coming my way. A new valet, "a
new secretary and half-blind prime
minister Nothing was now wanting
| to put the wheels Of government in
motion. If | could not run the king
dom now, it would be my own fault.
Bring my secretary in at once"
said to Hoffman.
At the end of the room stood a large
| fauteuil, framed of brass and uphold
stored with richly brocaded yellow
! damask. | seated myself in it, draped
| around my person an oriental slumber
robe, and lighted an Egyptian cigar
| ette. The door opened, and GOttfried
| appeared with my new secretary, Mul-
| Ter. He was a youngish man of about
my own age; a rather DISTINGUISHED
| looking individual dressed quietly and
! in extreme good taste with keen gray
eyes, good features, a Well-trimmed
| beard and an erect carriage. He looked
at me inquiringly, almost searchingly,
for a moment: then made me most
| respectful obeisance. If the truth must
be told, l felt somewhat uneasy under
his glance, and | would have sworn, for
a moment, that he knew more than was
shown by his impossible face.
After he had introduced himself, and
had detailed his credentials, | bade him
seat himself at the escritoire, that he
might take down the memoranda of the
interview which | was about to have
| with the prime minister. Hoffman
meanwhile, who had gone to the ante
room, returned with this dignitary, and
ushered him into my august presence
1t is unnecessary to describe Count
Lowenkopf, as Gottfried Johannes has
already done SO. He came bustling into
the chamber as though the palace Were
ON fire. In his haste and his short
almost stumbled into my lap.
Good morrow, count" said l. with
admirable Incidence.
Good morrow, your majesty" he an
swered, in a harsh and piping voice; al
the same time, blinking at me through
his glasses, in such a manner, that |
was assured he would not have known
me if / had been his own son.
Would that | could have seen youl
majesty yesterday" he continued.
1T is just as Well, that you did not,
| answered, dryly.
"Your majesty shall Judge for your
self; but, While | think to mention it
your majestys voice is strangely hoarse
this morning. l hope that it is nothing
serious"
There is nothing serious about it,
said |,
Il am glad to hear your majesty say
so. In fact, l notice a vast improve
ment in your majestys looks this morn
ing"
II do feel very much changed" said |
At that moment, my secretary Mul
Ter emitted a sort Of gasp or hiccough
turned toward him sharply, and h,
commenced to cougn. Had the fellow
been laughing at me? | could not tell
but decided that he would bear watch