As may easily be perceived, the "Guardian of Kings" has often been asked to write his memoirs. One cannot have been intimate with sovereigns for twenty-five years and not have a whole book—many volumes, indeed—of impressions and memories in the brain. But precisely because he has been the travelling companion of illustrious guests of the nation, he has believed himself bound to absolute silence and a perhaps excessive discretion.

Happily, arguments have at last prevailed over these exaggerated scruples. M. Paoli has come to perceive that by relating his personal recollections, he would be making a useful contribution to the history of our time, correcting many errors which have slipped voluntarily or involuntarily into accounts of certain contemporary sovereigns.

M. Paoli has therefore yielded to persuasion, and has committed to writing the story of his many journeys in the company of Kings, reviving his memories of former days. I have been happy in collaborating with this interesting and charming man, and I hope that our readers may enjoy as happy hours in reading these memories as I myself have enjoyed in hearing them related to me.

Rene Lara.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Queen Amelie of PortugalFrontispiece
FACING PAGE
M. Xavier Paoli[v]
The Empress of Austria[15]
The Emperor and Empress of Austria[30]
The King of Spain, Princess Henry of Battenberg, Princess Victoria Eugenia and M. Paoli[47]
The King and Queen of Spain and Baby[62]
The Shah of Persia[95]
The Shah leaving the Élyseé Palace[110]
The Emperor and Empress of Russia and the Grand Duke Alexis[127]
The Empress of Russia and the Grand Duchess Marie[142]
The King and Queen of Italy[175]
The King and Queen of Italy and the Crown Prince[190]
King George of Greece in the Streets of Paris[206]
Queen Wilhelmina[232]
King Leopold II[271]
Princess Clémentine[286]
King Edward VII[303]
King Edward arriving at the Élyseé Palace[318]
King Edward on the way to Church[318]
The King of Cambodia[328]
King Sisowath's Dancers before the President at the Élyseé Palace[344]