submissive air for further commands.

The king was sitting opposite the door, his hands folded upon his
staff and his chin resting upon his hands, looking the tutor full in
the face. Herr Behnisch bore it calmly; not a feature moved in his
angular, wooden face. Near the tutor stood the little prince, his
graceful, rosy, childlike face expressing eager expectation.

"Approach!" said the king.

Herr Behnisch stepped forward a little, and remained standing. The
prince glided noiselessly after him, keeping his eyes fixed on the
tails of the flesh-colored satin coat with which the tutor had
adorned himself for this extraordinary occasion. The prince smiled
as he saw the pocket open and the feathers of the shuttlecock
peeping out. He stretched out his little hand and crooked his
fingers to seize it.

"Come nearer! Herr Behnisch," said Frederick, who had observed the
movement of the little prince, and who was amused at the thought of
keeping him in suspense a little longer.

Herr Behnisch moved forward, and the prince, frightened, remained
standing with outstretched hand. He menaced the king with a glance
of his bright blue eyes. Frederick caught the look, smiled, and
turned to the tutor.

"I believe it is three years since you commenced teaching the little
prince?" said the king.