But the Prince saw in the wizened little figure before him an obvious butt for his friend Blakeney's impertinent shafts, and although historians have been unable to assert positively whether or no George Prince of Wales knew aught of Sir Percy's dual life, yet there is no doubt that he was always ready to enjoy a situation which brought about the discomfiture of any of the Scarlet Pimpernel's avowed enemies.
"I, too, have not met M.Chauvelin for many a long month," said His Royal Highness with an obvious show of irony.

"And I mistake not, sir, you left my father's court somewhat abruptly last year." "Nay, your Royal Highness," said Percy gaily, "my friend Monsieur...
er...

Chaubertin and I had serious business to discuss, which could only be dealt with in France....

Am I not right, Monsieur ?" "Quite right, Sir Percy," replied Chauvelin curtly.
"We had to discuss abominable soup in Calais, had we not ?" continued Blakeney in the same tone of easy banter, "and wine that I vowed was vinegar.

Monsieur...