"'He murmured something of that kind to me,' she said, becoming interested.
"'Well, would it please you to mount on a throne, like our august sovereign, the Empress Eugénie?'
"Clémentine, looked startled.
"'His own brother, Sheik Otham, has charged me in his name to make this offer.'
"Clémentine, dumb with amazement, did not reply.
"'I, Empress!' she finally stammered.
"'The decision rests with you. They must have your answer before midday. If it is 'yes,' we lunch together at Voisin's, and the bargain is made.'
"I saw that she had already made up her mind, but she thought it well to display a little sentiment.
"'And you, you!' she groaned. 'To leave you thus.... Never!'
"