He dismissed them with a little wave of his hand and bowed politely to his visitor.

There was no longer any pretext on the part of Monsieur Guillot.

He recognised its complete futility.
"Monsieur Pailleton," the ambassador began, "will you take a seat?
It is very kind of you to obey so quickly my summons." "I had no idea," the latter remarked, "that my presence in England was known.

I am here on private business." The ambassador bowed suavely.
"Precisely, my friend! You see, I use the epithet 'my friend' because at a time like this all Frenchmen must forget their differences and work together for the good and honour of their country.

Is it not so, monsieur ?" "That is indeed true," Monsieur Pailleton admitted slowly.