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For an instant we stood motionless, looking at one another. Then I bared my head again and bowed respectfully. The King found his voice, and asked in bewilderment: ColonelFritzwho is this gentleman? I was about to answer, when Colonel Sapt stepped between the King and me, and began to talk to his Majesty in a low growl. The King towered over Sapt, and, as he listened, his eyes now and again sought mine. I looked at him long and carefully. The likeness was certainly astonishing, though I saw the points of difference also. The Kings face was slightly more fleshy than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more pronounced, and, as I fancied, his mouth lacking something of the firmness (or obstinacy) which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips. But, for all that, and above all minor distinctions, the likeness rose striking, salient, wonderful. Sapt ceased speaking, and the King still frowned. Then, gradually, the corners of his mouth began to twitch, his nose came down (as mine does when I laugh), his eyes twinkled, and, behold! he burst into the merriest fit of irrepressible laughter, which rang through the woods and proclaimed him a jovial soul. Well met, cousin! he cried, stepping up to me, clapping me on the back, and laughing still. You must forgive me if I was taken aback. A man doesnt expect to see double at this time of day, eh, Fritz? I must pray pardon, sire, for my presumption, said I. I trust it will not forfeit your Majestys favour. By Heaven! youll always enjoy the Kings countenance, he laughed, whether I like it or not; and, sir, I shall very gladly add to it what services I can. Where are you travelling to? To Strelsau, sireto the coronation. The King looked at his friends: he still smiled, though his expression hinted some uneasiness. But the humorous side of the matter caught him again. Fritz, Fritz! he cried, a thousand crowns for a sight of brother Michaels face when he sees a pair of us! and the merry laugh rang out again. Seriously, observed Fritz von Tarlenheim, I question Mr. Rassendylls wisdom in visiting Strelsau just now. The King lit a cigarette. Well, Sapt? said he, questioningly. He mustnt go, growled the old fellow. Come, colonel, you mean that I should be in Mr. Rassendylls debt, if Oh, ay! wrap it up in the right way, said Sapt, hauling a great pipe out of his pocket. Enough, sire, said I. Ill leave Ruritania today. No, by thunder, you shantand thats sans phrase, as Sapt likes it. For you shall dine with me tonight, happen what will afterwards. Come, man, you dont meet a new relation every day! We dine sparingly tonight, said Fritz von Tarlenheim. Not wewith our new cousin for a guest! cried the King; and, as Fritz shrugged his shoulders, he added: Oh! Ill remember our early start, Fritz. So will Itomorrow morning, said old Sapt, pulling at his pipe. |
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