“I do not speak as a prince, Madame.”
He was absolutely grave, and in no way discomposed by her splendid presence.
“As a diplomat, then?”
“As one training to be of service to his country, Madame.”
Her delicate eyebrows slightly arched.
“Do you wish your gifts to be of service to the Republic, Prince?”
“The United Provinces are the Republic, Madame, and the United Provinces are my country.”
Madame Lavalette unfurled her fan.
“It is generous of you, Monseigneur, to be patriotic under the present form of government——”