"HOW TO CONTROL AND RECTIFY PUBLIC OPINION."
["It is impossible to bribe a French paper."—Times, April 5, 1895.]
Scene—Sanctum of the Rédacteur en chef of "Le Gamin de Paris." Rédacteur discovered reading latest issue.
Rédacteur. Dear me, this note about the pacific intentions of the German Emperor is most interesting! I wonder how it got in. I did not notice it when I glanced through the pages. Still, I have the most unlimited confidence in my staff. (Quoting from his paper.) "There is no doubt that we can safely disarm, as Germany is our friend—the best of our friends." Dear me! Most interesting!
[Enter menial, ushering in mysterious stranger.
Stranger. I trust I am not intruding?
Rédacteur. Certainly not. It is the duty of an editor to be always at the service of those who seek his advice. No doubt you desire my opinion upon some matter of importance?
Stranger. You have guessed rightly. Which do you prefer, a mansion in town or a castle in the country?
Rédacteur (smiling). Well, I am scarcely qualified to judge, for I only possess a mansion in town. I have no castle in the country.
Stranger. Pardon me. You have one now.
[Gives Editor title-deeds.
Rédacteur (glancing at the documents). What, the Château de St. Querecs! One of the finest places in Brittany! You are really too amiable!
Stranger. Not at all. And now tell me, do you prefer Wagner to Verdi, or Mascagni to Mozart?
Rédacteur. Again I am at a disadvantage. You see I go so seldom to the Opera. The expense is——
Stranger. The expense is inconsiderable when you possess a loge on the grand tier. (Giving paper.) Allow me to present you with a perpetual box.
Rédacteur. Your courtesy is simply charming! But why do you overwhelm me with these obligations? We are unknown to one another.
Stranger (with a bow). Not at all. You are famous. As for me—why I am nothing. I am absolutely valueless.
Rédacteur (politely). You do not do yourself justice. I will be bound you are most valuable.
Stranger. Well, perhaps you are right. At any rate I can fill in a cheque—yes, and with four or five figures! I will show you. Permit me.
[Approaches writing materials, and rapidly completes draft.
Rédacteur. And for whom is that cheque?
Stranger. Read the name to whose order it is made payable.
Rédacteur (surprised but admiring). Mine! This is simply marvellous. And are you clever enough to write a leader?
Stranger. Assuredly. See I will compose one at once. (Sits at table, knocks off an article and hands it to Rédacteur). What do you think of it?
Rédacteur (smiling). I will give you my opinion when I see it in type. You will find it in the Gamin to-morrow. Good day!
[Scene closes in upon a tableau suggesting at once delicacy and the right understanding of commercial principles.
Her Latest.—"The silence was so great," said Mrs. R., "you could have picked up a pin!"