Prince George looked at the Grand-duke, but Ernest Ludwig said nothing.
"I am here as the King's representative. I represent the chief of the Royal House of Saxony."
"A fig for your Royal House of Saxony," said Melita, snapping her fingers in George's face. "Queen Victoria is my chief of family, and, that aside, Ludwig and I are sovereigns in Hesse and have no intention whatever to allow anyone——"
"Anyone?" repeated George aghast. "You refer to me as anyone?"
"In things matrimonial," said Melita, "only husband and wife count; all others are 'anyone.' You, too."
"She calls me 'you,'" cried George, white with rage, looking helplessly at Ernest Ludwig. When the latter kept his tongue and temper, George addressed himself to Melita once more.
"I want you to understand that my title is Royal Highness."
"And I want you to understand that I am Her Royal Highness the Grand-duchess of Hesse, Royal Princess of Great Britain and Ireland, Duchess of Saxony," cried Melita, stamping her foot.
With that she went to the door, opened it and said, "I request Your Royal Highness to leave my house this very second."
And George went.