150 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



saw him six or seven minutes. He stood only during the 

 time the public functionaries from foreign countries passed 

 him. He seated himself immediately afterward, paying 

 little attention to the numerous court of English noblemen 

 and gentlemen present." 



What a king was that! With only one thought and 

 that of himself, and he called " the first gentleman in 

 Europe." 



Audubon waited and thought. His faith in the merit 

 of his work rose again; perhaps the prophecy of the Knitter 

 of Nantes. 



" I think," he said, " that the Duke of Northumberland 

 will interest himself in me." 



Gallatin laughed. 



" No, no. I have called hundreds of times on such men 

 in England and been assured that his Grace, or lordship, or 

 ladyship were not at home, until I have grown wiser, and 

 have learned to stay at home myself and attend to my own 

 political business. 



" It requires a written appointment of a month or six 

 weeks before an interview can be obtained." 



But Audubon kept his purpose strongly in mind. He 

 lingered. Gallatin at last said: 



" Should the king hold a levee while you are here I 

 will take you to court and present you as an American sci- 

 entific gentleman; but of course, of course you must not 

 mention your work! " 



