He fumbled with his hat, tongue-tied.

He stood in the Presence.
"Monsieur," said the Voice, "I thank you with all my heart for your gallant service.

Poor, poor dog!" "It was nothing, your Highness; any man would have done the same thing." The red in the wheel-spokes bothered his eyes.
"No, no! you must not belittle it." "If it had not been for Lieutenant von Mitter--" "Whither were you going, Monsieur ?" interrupted the Voice.
"Nowhere; that is, I was going toward my hotel." "The Continental ?" "Yes, your Highness." "Step into the carriage, Monsieur;" the Voice had the ring of command.
"I will put you down there.

It is the least that I can do to show my gratitude." "I--I to ride with your Highness ?" he stammered.

"O, no! I--that is--it would scarcely be--" "You are not afraid of me, Monsieur ?" with a smile which, though it had a bit of the rogue in it, was rather sad.