I was engaged with my friends.

May I have the honour of presenting them?
Princess, this is Mr.Silas Finn, the managing director of Fish Palaces Limited.

These are two very dear friends, Miss Seddon--Mr.Simmons.

Miss Winwood--Colonel Winwood, may I ?" He waved an introductory hand.

The Princess: bowed; then, struck by their unsmiling faces and by Paul's strange manner, turned to him quickly.
"'Qu'est ce qu'il y a ?" "Je vais vous le dire." He pushed a chair.