His manner, when anybody was presented to him on these or other occasions, was about as bad and imprincely as can well be conceived.

His clothes never fitted him.

He used to support himself on one foot, hanging his head towards that side, and occasionally changing the posture of both foot and head, always simultaneously.

And he always appeared to be struggling painfully with the consciousness that he had nothing to say.

It was on one of these occasions that an American new arrival was presented to him by Mr.
Maquay, the banker, who always did that office for Americans, the United States having then no representative at the Grand Ducal court.
Maquay, thinking to help the Duke, whispered in his ear that the gentleman was connected by descent with the great Washington, upon which the Duke, changing his foot, said, "_Ah! le grand Vash_!" His manner was that of a lethargic and not wide-awake man.