"One might criticise His Majesty for going so far away to seek what was so close to hand."
"Ah, indeed, you are right," the Princess sighed, "there must be something about these Parisian women. ... I heard that the dressmakers of the Rue de la Paix are going to bring out some Spring models which are so indecent ..."
M. Erick von Kampfen, the chamberlain, entered the room at this moment and announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly pass into the gallery. Her Majesty the Queen will be ready to receive you in a moment."
Behind him came the little Duc Rudolphe, who was informing some of his friends as though it were a fine piece of scandal:
"The Grand Duchess Alexandra hasn't come yet ... and they are wondering if she will come."