THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GENIUS 137 



in regard to triumphs but for my country, 

 when I realised that I was being exceptionally 

 distinguished in the midst of this immense con- 

 course of foreigners, of Germans especially, who 

 are here in considerable numbers, far greater 

 numbers than there are Frenchmen, of whom 

 nevertheless, taken altogether, there are not 

 less than two hundred and fifty. Jean Baptiste 

 and Rene were present at the session. You can 

 judge of their emotion. 



"After the session, luncheon at the home of 

 Sir James Paget, with the Prussian Prince 

 seated on his right and the Prince of Wales on 

 his left. Then a gathering of twenty-five to 

 thirty guests in the drawing-room. Sir James 

 presented me to the Prince of Wales, before 

 whom I made my bow, telling him that I was 

 happy to salute the friend of France. 



" 'Yes/ he answered me, 'a great friend/ 

 "Sir James Paget had the good taste not to 

 ask me to be presented to the Prussian Prince. 

 Although under such circumstances it was im- 

 possible to be otherwise than courteous, I could 



