"Come with me, I will at once announce your arrival to his majesty."
He gave his arm to the old gentleman, who trembled from exhaustion, and assisted him in mounting the stairs leading to the upper rooms of the Schützhaus.
In the ante-room Monsieur de Persiany sank into a chair. Count Platen entered the king's apartment and found him resting on a sofa. Lex sat near him, reading aloud.
"Forgive me for disturbing you, your majesty," said the minister, "but Monsieur de Persiany is here at the command of the Emperor Alexander, and he requests an immediate audience."
George V. rose, an expression of joy shining in his face.
"How?" he cried, with animation,--"and what does he bring? let him come in!"
Count Platen led the Russian ambassador into the room.
"Welcome to the camp, my dear Monsieur de Persiany!" cried the king, holding out his hand to him as he entered.
The old gentleman seized it, and said, in trembling voice,--
"Good God, your majesty! what times are these? how painful it is to me to see you under such circumstances!"