) "The Grand Duchess asked him to give her the helmet; he doesn't give it to her.

What do you think of that? Well, every one's winking at him, nodding, frowning--give it to her, do! He doesn't give it to her.

He's mute as a fish.

Only picture it!... Well, the...what's his name, whatever he was...tries to take the helmet from him...he won't give it up!... He pulls it from him, and hands it to the Grand Duchess.

'Here, your Highness,' says he, 'is the new helmet.