All at once, to my great surprise, Flavia, clasping her hands asked in an agitated voice: "Are you wise to make him angry ?" "What?
Who?
How am I making him angry ?" "Why, by keeping him waiting." "My dear cousin, I don't want to keep him--" "Well, then, is he to come in ?" "Of course, if you wish it." She looked at me curiously.
"How funny you are," she said.

"Of course no one could be announced while I was with you." Here was a charming attribute of royalty! "An excellent etiquette!" I cried.

"But I had clean forgotten it; and if I were alone with someone else, couldn't you be announced ?" "You know as well as I do.

I could be, because I am of the Blood;" and she still looked puzzled.
"I never could remember all these silly rules," said I, rather feebly, as I inwardly cursed Fritz for not posting me up.

"But I'll repair my fault." I jumped up, flung open the door, and advanced into the ante-room.
Michael was sitting at a table, a heavy frown on his face.