"Sorry I can't talk French to you.

Politics, these last ten years, haven't left us much time for the outside graces." Monsieur Pouilly at once took the floor.

He was a thin, dark man with a beautifully trimmed black beard, flashing black eyes, and thoughtful, delicate features.

He was attired in the frock coat and dark trousers of diplomatic usage, and he appeared to somewhat resent the brown tweed suit and soft collar of the man who was receiving him.
"Mr.Mervin Brown," he began, "you will kindly look upon our visit as official.

We are envoys from Monsieur le President and the French Government.