However, he was used to delicacies, and he met the situation with consummate success.

His behaviour was from the first moment impeccable.

His manner towards the young Queen mingled, with perfect facility, the watchfulness and the respect of a statesman and a courtier with the tender solicitude of a parent.

He was at once reverential and affectionate, at once the servant and the guide.

At the same time the habits of his life underwent a surprising change.