The honest fellow may be right; for
certainly no one could speak with John Constantine and doubt that
here was one of a line of kings. Nevertheless to me
(a matter-of-fact man), Paoli appeared scarcely less imposing in
person, and withal bore himself with a businesslike calm which, in a
subtle way I cannot describe, seemed to tolerate the others, yet
suggest that, beside his own purpose, theirs were something unreal.
As an Englishman I should say that he felt the weight of public
opinion behind him all the while, without which in these days the
kingliest nature must miss something of gravity. Yet he has proved
more than once that no public man can be more quixotic, upon
occasion.
It distressed me to find that the Queen Emilia would have none of his
courtesies; as I think it distressed him, though he comported himself
perfectly. She rejected, and not too graciously, his offer to
restore her to her palace at Casalabriva and secure her there against
all enemies. From the first she had determined, failing her son's
return, to sail with us to England; and sail she did.
But from the first I doubted her reaching it alive.
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