His manners, as he smiled upon the Princess, were over-fine, yet hardly elegant.
'Possibly,' said the Baron, 'I should now proceed to take my leave.

I must not keep my sovereign in the ante-room.

Let us come at once to a decision.' 'It cannot, cannot be put off ?' she asked.
'It is impossible,' answered Gondremark.

'Your Highness sees it for herself.

In the earlier stages, we might imitate the serpent; but for the ultimatum, there is no choice but to be bold like lions.