Then, somehow, d'Avaux arranged to share a coach with Eliza and Monmouth. As they jounced, heaved, and clattered down various dark canal-edges and over diverse draw-bridges, he explained: 'It was Sluys's box. Therefore, he was the host. Therefore, it was his responsibility to make a formal introduction of Étienne d'Arcachon to you, mademoiselle. But he was too Dutch, drunk, and distracted to perform his proper rôle. I never cleared my throat so many times – but to no avail. Monsieur d'Arcachon was placed in an impossible situation!'