He stood speechless with disappointment, choking with chagrin.

The stranger noted it and laughed.
"Well," he said in French, his tone dry and sarcastic, "you do not seem overpleased to see me, Monsieur Basterga! Nor am I surprised.

Large promises have ever small fulfilments!" "His Highness has discovered that ?" Basterga replied, in a tone no less sarcastic.

For his temper was roused.
The stranger's eyes flickered, as if the other's words touched a sore.
"His Highness is growing impatient!" he returned, his tone somewhat warmer.

"That is what he has sent me to say.