I could have taken him for the Sable King in person, stripped of his mantle.

On my soul, he put me to the blush.' 'And is that all ?' asked the duchess, relieving herself with a sigh.
'Why, madam,' quoth the beau, 'do you not see that he could have been none other than mine own, who could comport himself with that grand air and gracefulness when wounded by his closest relative?
Upon his opening my door for me, and accepting the 'pas,' which I now right heartily accorded him, I recognized at once both him and the reproof he had designedly dealt me--or the wine supper I had danced on, perhaps I should say' and I protest that by such a display of supreme good breeding he managed to convey the highest compliment ever received by man, namely the assurance, that after the withering away of this mortal garb, I shall still be noted for urbanity and elegancy.

Nay, and more, immortally, without the slip I was guilty of when I carried the bag of wine.' Duchess Susan fanned herself to assist her digestion of the anecdote.
'Well, it's not so frightful a story, and I know you are the great Mr.
Beamish;' she said.
He questioned her whether the gentleman had signalled him to her on the hill.
'What can he mean about a gentleman ?' she turned to Chloe.

'My duke told me you would meet me, sir.

And you are to protect me.