As may easily be perceived, the "Guardian of Kings" has often been asked to write his memoirs. One cannot have been intimate with sovereigns for twenty-five years and not have a whole book--many volumes, indeed--of impressions and memories in the brain. But precisely because he has been the travelling companion of illustrious guests of the nation, he has believed himself bound to absolute silence and a perhaps excessive discretion. Happily, arguments have at last prevailed over these exaggerated scruples. M. Paoli has come to perceive that by relating his personal recollections, he would be making a useful contribution to the history of our time, correcting many errors which have slipped voluntarily or involuntarily into accounts of certain contemporary sovereigns. M. Paoli has therefore yielded to persuasion, and has committed to writing the story of his many journeys in the company of Kings, reviving his memories of former days. I have been happy in collaborating with this interesting and charming man, and I hope that our readers may enjoy as happy hours in reading these memories as I myself have enjoyed in hearing them related to me. RENE LARA. ILLUSTRATIONS Queen Amelie of Portugal _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE M. Xavier Paoli v The Empress of Austria 15 The Emperor and Empress of Austria 30 The King of Spain, Princess Henry of Battenberg, Princess Victoria Eugenia and M. Paoli 47 The King and Queen of Spain and Baby 62 The Shah of Persia 95 The Shah leaving the Élyseé Palace 110 The Emperor and Empress of Russia and the Grand Duke Alexis 127 The Empress of Russia and the Grand Duchess Marie 142 The King and Queen of Italy 175 The King and Queen of Italy and the Crown Prince 190 King George of Greece in the Streets of Paris 206 Queen Wilhelmina 232 King Leopold II 271 Princess Clémentine 286 King Edward VII 303 King Edward arriving at the Élyseé Palace 318 King Edward on the way to Church 318 The King of Cambodia 328 King Sisowath's Dancers before the President at the Élyseé Palace 344 THEIR MAJESTIES AS I KNEW THEM I THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS OF AUSTRIA 1.