He bowed very low, whilst the Prince returned his salute with a curt nod of the head.
"Monsieur," said His Royal Highness coldly, "we will try to forget the government that sent you, and look upon you merely as our guest--a private gentleman from France.

As such you are welcome, Monsieur." "Monseigneur," rejoined Chauvelin, bowing once again.

"Madame," he added, bowing ceremoniously before Marguerite.
"Ah! my little Chauvelin!" she said with unconcerned gaiety, and extending her tiny hand to him.

"Monsieur and I are old friends, your Royal Highness." "Ah, then," said the Prince, this time very graciously, "you are doubly welcome, Monsieur." "There is someone else I would crave permission to present to your Royal Highness," here interposed Lord Grenville.
"Ah! who is it ?" asked the Prince.
"Madame la Comtesse de Tournay de Basserive and her family, who have but recently come from France." "By all means!--They are among the lucky ones then!" Lord Grenville turned in search of the Comtesse, who sat at the further end of the room.
"Lud love me!" whispered his Royal Highness to Marguerite, as soon as he had caught sight of the rigid figure of the old lady; "Lud love me! she looks very virtuous and very melancholy." "Faith, your Royal Highness," she rejoined with a smile, "virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when it is crushed." "Virtue, alas!" sighed the Prince, "is mostly unbecoming to your charming sex, Madame." "Madame la Comtesse de Tournay de Basserive," said Lord Grenville, introducing the lady.
"This is a pleasure, Madame; my royal father, as you know, is ever glad to welcome those of your compatriots whom France has driven from her shores." "Your Royal Highness is ever gracious," replied the Comtesse with becoming dignity.

Then, indicating her daughter, who stood timidly by her side: "My daughter Suzanne, Monseigneur," she said.
"Ah! charming!--charming!" said the Prince, "and now allow me, Comtesse, to introduce you, Lady Blakeney, who honours us with her friendship.