It was no trifling matter to swing the thought from German into French or Italian or Hungarian; but they were seasoned veterans in the game, all save Carmichael, who spoke only French and German fluently.

The duke, however, never tried needlessly to embarrass him.

He admired Carmichael's mental agility.

Never he thrust so keenly that the American was found lacking in an effective though simple parry.
"Your highness must recollect that I am not familiar with that tongue." "Pardon me, Herr Captain!" But there was always a twinkle in the ducal eye and an answering smile in the consul's.
The somber black of Carmichael's evening dress stood out conspicuously among the blue and green and red uniforms.

Etiquette compelled him to wear silk stockings, but that was the single concession on his part.