Final answer:
The clever act of stealing and concealing a letter hints at the minister's true cunning and deceptive character, suggesting he is skilled at hiding his true intentions under a guise of respectability.
Step-by-step explanation:
One detail from the story that hints at the true identity of the minister is his cunning and calculated method of stealing a letter. The minister, displaying his keen observation and slyness, manages to take a letter from a royal personage without arising suspicion.
His ability to recognize the importance of the letter, manipulate the situation to his advantage, and leave a decoy letter behind, all while maintaining his composure, suggests that he is not only resourceful but also adept at deceit.
This act of thievery and the subsequent concealment of the letter suggest that the minister is wearing a metaphorical mask, hiding his true character beneath a veneer of respectability.