I need not remark that all such
rumors were entirely discredited here. Such a meeting kept secret from
us would of course be very seriously considered here."
The Prince smiled. He remained admirably self-possessed, though the very
veins in his forehead were swollen with anger.
"A canard of the sort has reached my ears," he remarked. "Some English
boy, I believe, imagined or dreamed that he saw some such meeting. We
scarcely need, I think, to discuss this seriously."
"Personally I agree with you," Monsieur Grisson said smoothly. "My
ministry, however, seem to have been a little impressed by the boy's
story. An autograph letter from the Czar, denying it, would perhaps make
our negotiations more easy."
"It shall be forthcoming," the Prince remarked, rising. "By the by, I
hear reports of great activity from Cherbourg. More manoeuvres, eh?"
Monsieur Grisson shrugged his shoulders.
"Our new naval chief," he remarked, "is a marvel of industry. You know
the English proverb about the new broom, eh?"
The Prince bowed.
"During the next few hours," he remarked, "many things may happen. You
will be always accessible?"
"I shall not leave my post, Prince!" Monsieur Grisson answered.
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