He could feel the entire room's stares baring down on him. The stench of anger and indignation in the room was stifling.

His heart sank.  He really had been serious with his offer to Mrs von Kruber, and it still stood, if she changed her mind. Though that probably didn't matter now.

He bowed his head in dejection, then turned to face the king's table, and made a very low bow, before speaking very loudly, and very clearly, but solemnly.

"[color=7bcdc8]Uh apologize tuh his Hightness-- Lord a 'dis house, and high king o' Kindeance...  It seem 'at Uhs is unable tuh acc'ept his mos' generous invitation tuh join him in dis' haouse, an' tuh has soiled his generous spirit, in takin' a chance on sommat like muhself...[/color]"

He shivered with nervous apprehension. Sweat broke out beneath his fur. His voice wavered.

"[color=7bcdc8]Try as uh migh', it seem it impossible fer meh tuh be da man he see me as-- an' tuh only be [i]da bear[/i], as oder's sees-- No ma'er how fancy da clothes is--.  Uh onleh offer'd muh condolances tuh de widdow o' da late Baron von Kruber. -- [i]Geniu'n, HEARTFEL' ones.[/i]  But it seem uhs destined' tuh only e'er [i]be a bear,[/i] ---curs'ed with de [i]heart o' a man[/i]. She believe I kill' 'er husban'.... [i][u][b]Buh I didn'...[/b][/u][/i]  She think I mean ta shame 'er... [i][u][b]Buh I don'.[/b][/u][/i] I wann'ed only ta off'r 'er and 'er family da fulles' exten' ah muh honor, muh integr'teh, an' muh support: A haouse a 'er own, an' da fulles' exten' a wat uh owns-- [i]at no obligation a hern at'all-- free a charge: tuh use as she will.[/i]  [b][u]Bu' ih' wern' 'nuff.[/u][/b]  --Alls I manage, were tuh anger 'er, an' disgrace dis haouse. --Insul' a woman, as don' need more insul'n, an' cas' shame on da man as invited meh tuh stay in 'is home. .... .... Uhs sorreh, highness..  But it seem uh cain't stay. .. Buh Uh thanks ya fer tryin-- all da same.  ... Uh'll go naow... an' no' darken ya days agin.  ... Bears seem..... [b][i][u]Bes' lef' outside.[/u][/i][/b][/color]" 



He bowed so hard, that his head almost touched the floor, remained there for quite a few seconds, then stood, and walked calmly to the exit of the dining hall.