At these words Lord Hyde became greatly affected; he could not restrain his tears, and fearing at first to compromise himself, he told us that his exile was voluntary and self-imposed, or very nearly so.

After complimenting the Chancellor of a great kingdom, Prince Comnenus thought that he ought to say something courteous and flattering to myself.

“Madame,” quoth he, “it is only now, after asking for hospitality and generously obtaining it, that I and my son have learnt the name of the lady who has so graciously granted us admission to this most lovely place.  For a moment we hesitated in awe.  But now our eyes behold her whom all Europe admires, whom a great King favours with his friendship and confidence.  What strange chances befall one in life!  Could I ever have foreseen so fortunate a mishap!”

I briefly replied to this amiable speech, and invited the travellers to spend, at least, one day with us.  They gladly accepted, and each retired to his apartment until the time came for driving out.  Dinner was laid, and on the point of being served, when the King, who was on his way from Fontainebleau, suddenly entered my room.  He had heard something about a fire, and came to see what had happened.  I at once informed him, telling him, moreover, that I had the Duke of York’s father-in-law staying with me at the moment.

“Lord Hyde, the Chancellor?” exclaimed the King.  “I have never seen him, and have always been desirous to make his acquaintance.  The opportunity is an easy and favourable one.”

“But that is not all, Sire; I have other guests to meet you,” said I.

“And who may they be?” inquired the King, smiling.  “Just because I have come in rough-and-ready plight, your house is full of people.”

“But they are in rough-and-ready plight as well,” I answered; “so your Majesties must mutually excuse each other.”

“Are you in fun or in earnest?” asked his Majesty.  “Have you really got some king stowed away in one of your rooms?”

“Not a king, Sire, but an emperor,—­the Emperor of Constantinople and Trebizond, accompanied by the Prince Imperial, his son.  You shall see two Greek profiles of the best sort, two finely cut noses, albeit hooked, and almond-shaped eyes, like those of Achilles and Agamemnon.”

Then the King said, “Send for your groom of the chambers at once, and tell him to give orders that my incognito be strictly observed.  You must introduce me to these dignitaries as your brother, M. de Vivonne.  Under these conditions, I will join your party at table; otherwise, I should be obliged to leave the castle immediately.”

The King’s wishes were promptly complied with; the footmen were let into the secret, and I introduced “Monsieur de Vivonne” to my guests.

The talk, without being sparkling, was pleasant enough until dessert.  When the men-servants left us, it assumed a very different character.  The King induced the Chancellor to converse, and asked him if his exile were owing to the English monarch personally, or to some parliamentary intrigue.