But he might easily have been pursued, and taken, and dealt
with according to the law, without our being any the wiser at Bruehl.
Hartmann being gone, the King then sent for the prisoner, and Monsieur
Maurice, for the first time in many weeks, left his own rooms, and was
brought round to the state-apartments. Seeing so many persons about; seeing
also the flowers and flags upon the walls, he seemed surprised, but said
nothing. Being brought into the royal presence, however, he appeared at
once to recognise the King. He bowed profoundly, and a faint flush was seen
to come into his face. He then cast a rapid glance round the room, as if to
see who else was present; bowed also (but less profoundly) to my father,
who was standing behind the King's chair; and waited to be spoken to.
"Vous etes Francais, Monsieur?" said the King, addressing him in French, of
which language my father understood only a few words.
"Je suis Francais, votre Majeste," replied Monsieur Maurice.
"Comment!" said the King, still in French. "Our person, then, is not
unknown to you?"
"I have repeatedly enjoyed the honour of being in your Majesty's presence,"
replied Monsieur Maurice, respectfully.
Being then asked where, and on what occasion, my father understood him to
say that he had seen his Majesty at Erfurt during the great meeting of the
Sovereigns under Napoleon the First, and again at the Congress of Vienna;
and also that he had, at that time, occupied some important office, such,
perhaps, as military secretary, about the person of the Emperor.
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