I tasted the first sweetness of secret power, which men say is the sweetest of all and the last relinquished; and, the hum of distant voices and laughter still reaching me at intervals, I began to understand why we had been admitted with, so much precaution, and to comprehend the gratification of M.de Rosny when the promise of this interview first presented to him the hope of effecting so much for his master and for France.
Now I was to be drawn into the whirlpool itself.

I was still travelling back over the different stages of the adventure which had brought me to this point, when I was rudely awakened by M.de Rosny calling my name in a raised voice.

Seeing, somewhat late, that he was beckoning to me to approach, I went forward in a confused and hasty fashion; kneeling before the king as I had seen him kneel, and then rising to give ear to his Majesty's commands.

Albeit, having expected nothing less than to be called upon, I was not in the clearest mood to receive them.

Nor was my bearing such as I could have wished it to be.
M.de Rosny tells me that you desire a commission at Court, sir,' the king said quickly.
'I, sire ?' I stammered, scarcely able to believe my ears.