"These idiots," he growled to himself, "always bring me the Hesse-Weimar papers, and I don't know a confounded word of German. What I would like to get hold of is a copy of _La Capitale_." He rang the bell intending to give the order for a copy to be sent up, but at that moment a servant announced: "Mlle. Marie Pascal is here, your Majesty." "What does she want?" The servant handed Fandor a letter. "Your Majesty has granted an interview to her." Without thinking the journalist asked: "Is she pretty?" The employe of the Royal Palace kept a straight face. He was too much in the habit of dealing with royal patrons. The King might joke as much as he pleased, but the same liberty was not granted to others. He therefore made a deep bow and said with a tone of profound deference: "I will send Marie Pascal to your Majesty." CHAPTER VIII MARIE PASCAL Now that he had become a King and was obliged to receive unexpected visits in that capacity, Fandor had adopted the wise precaution of making his visitors wait in the main Salon, while he retired to the adjoining study. From there, thanks to a large mirror, he could see them without being seen himself. Following this precaution he waited for the appearance of his visitor and scarcely had she set foot in the Salon when he experienced an agreeable surprise. "Ah, there's a pretty girl." He was right. She was charming, with her large clear blue eyes, her fair hair and slight figure. "By Jove," thought Fandor, "here's a way to fill up my hours of solitude. It oughtn't to be hard for one in my position to get up an intrigue, and provided the lady is not too shy I can begin one of those adventures one reads of in fairy stories." Covering his face still further with his scarf and putting on a pair of blue spectacles he entered the Salon. The young girl betrayed a slight movement of surprise upon seeing him. At his silent invitation she sat down on the edge of an armchair without daring to raise her eyes. Then followed a long pause, until Fandor recollected that according to etiquette she was waiting for him to speak first. "Well, Mademoiselle, what can I do for you?" The young girl stammered: "I wanted to see you ... pardon ... to see your Majesty ... to tell him how grateful I am for the laces he ordered from me ... that your Majesty ordered." Fandor began to be amused at the embarrassment of the young girl, so to set her at ease he remarked: "Mademoiselle, just talk to me as you would to anyone else, and as for the laces, I shall be very glad to order others." A start of surprise from Marie Pascal gave Fandor the uneasy feeling that he had made a break. "Then, your Majesty, I suppose I must send the next lot to the Queen." "Of course." "How about the bill?" Fandor repressed a smile. Evidently these poor Kings must have one hand in their pockets. As the interview continued the young girl regained her confidence, and going close to Fandor, spoke in a tone of sincere anxiety: