They were particularly polite to the Duke and each one told him how happy they were that their country had this vital tie with Britain and his marriage would certainly strengthen the connection and it would make it much more difficult for Russia to interfere in their affairs.
The Duke made a short speech at the dinner table.
He said how honoured he had been to come to Istria and how touched he was by the kindness he had received.
He was taking home the picture of a people who were living happily and contentedly in a country that was growing more prosperous year by year.
“We can only be sorry for your neighbours who have a different story to tell,” he said, “and I hope that in the future they will be strong enough to resist all their enemies. Of course any infringement of their independ
