After the few conventional words of deferential greeting, Lord
Grenville said to his royal guest,--
"Will your Highness permit me to introduce M. Chauvelin, the
accredited agent of the French Government?"
Chauvelin, immediately the Prince entered, had stepped
forward, expecting this introduction. He bowed very low, whilst the
Prince returned his salute with a curt nod of the head.
"Monsieur," said His Royal Highness coldly, "we will try to
forget the government that sent you, and look upon you merely as our
guest--a private gentleman from France. As such you are welcome,
Monsieur."
"Monseigneur," rejoined Chauvelin, bowing once again.
"Madame," he added, bowing ceremoniously before Marguerite.
"Ah! my little Chauvelin!" she said with unconcerned gaiety,
and extending her tiny hand to him. "Monsieur and I are old friends,
your Royal Highness."
"Ah, then," said the Prince, this time very graciously, "you
are doubly welcome, Monsieur."
"There is someone else I would crave permission to present to
your Royal Highness," here interposed Lord Grenville.
"Ah! who is it?" asked the Prince.
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