there was but one Emiral among the Penguins, a singular prestige, if I
dare say so, was attached to that rank.

The Emiral did not belong to the nobility. A child of the people, he was
loved by the people. They were flattered to see a man who sprang from
their own ranks holding a position of honour. Chatillon was good-looking
and fortune favoured him. He was not over-addicted to thought. No event
ever disturbed his serene outlook.

The Reverend Father Agaric, surrendering to M. Bigourd's reasons and
recognising that the existing government could only be destroyed by one
of its defenders, cast his eyes upon Emiral Chatillon. He asked a large
sum of money from his friend, the Reverend Father Cornemuse, which the
latter handed him with a sigh. And with this sum he hired six hundred
butcher boys of Alca to run behind Chatillon's horse and shout, "Hurrah
for the Emiral!" Henceforth Chatillon could not take a single step
without being cheered.

Viscountess Olive asked him for a private interview. He received her at
the Admiralty* in a room decorated with anchors, shells, and grenades.

* Or better, Emiralty.

She was discreetly dressed in greyish blue. A hat trimmed with roses
covered her pretty, fair hair, Behind her veil her eyes shone like
sapphires. Although she came of Jewish origin there was no more
fashionable woman in the whole nobility. She was tall and well shaped;
her form was that of the year, her figure that of the season.

"Emiral," said she, in a delightful voice, "I cannot conceal my emotion
from you. . . . It is very natural . . . before a hero."

"You are too kind. But tell me, Viscountess, what brings me the honour
of your visit."

"For a long time I have been anxious to see you, to speak to you. . . .
So I very willingly undertook to convey a message to you."

"Please take a seat."

"How still it is here."

"Yes, it is quiet enough."

"You can hear the birds singing."

"Sit down, then, dear lady."

And he drew up an arm-chair for her.

She took a seat with her back to the light.

"Emiral, I came to bring you a very important message, a message. . ."

"Explain."

"Emiral, have you ever seen Prince Crucho?"

"Never."

She sighed.

"It is a great pity. He would be so delighted to see you! He esteems and
appreciates you. He has your portrait on his desk beside his mother's.
What a pity it is he is not better known! He is a charming prince and so
grateful for what is done for h