Discontentedly the Grand Duke appraised the scene, and in the murky twilight which heralded the day he found the world a cheerless place. The Gardens of Breschau were deserted, save for a travelling carriage and its fretful horses, who stamped and snuffled within forty yards of the summer-house.  
"It appears," he said, "that I am the first on the ground, and that de
Châteauroux is a dilatory lover. Young men degenerate."
 
Saying this, he seated himself on a convenient bench, where de Châteauroux found him a few minutes later, and promptly dropped a portmanteau at the ducal feet.
 
"Monsieur le Comte," the Grand Duke said, "this is an unforeseen pleasure."
 
"Your Highness!" cried de Châteauroux, in astonishment.
 
"Ludovicus," said the Grand Duke, "Dei gratia Archi Dux Noumariæ, Princeps Gatinensis, and so on." And de Châteauroux caressed his chin.
 
"I did not know," said the Grand Duke, "that you were such an early riser.
Or perhaps," he continued, "you are late in retiring. Fy, fy, monsieur! you
must be more careful! You must not create a scandal in our little Court."
He shook his finger knowingly at Philippe de Châteauroux.
 
"Your Highness,—" said the latter, and stammered into silence.
 
"You said that before," the Grand Duke leisurely observed.
 
"An affair of business—"
 
"Ah! ah! ah!" said the Grand Duke, cas............