and the official representative of my own country becomes in such cases my most natural protector." "I understand." "You will receive him ?" "Certainly." "Then may I present him to your ladyship ?" "Whenever you like." "Now, and it please you." "Now ?" "Yes.

Here he comes, at your ladyship's service." Desiree Candeille's almond-shaped eyes were fixed upon a distant part of the tent, behind Lady Blakeney in the direction of the main entrance to the booth.

There was a slight pause after she had spoken and then Marguerite slowly turned in order to see who this official representative of France was, whom at the young actress' request she had just agreed to receive in her house.

In the doorway of the tent, framed by its gaudy draperies, and with the streaming sunshine as a brilliant background behind him, stood the sable-clad figure of Chauvelin..