“And why not?”
“Consider, your grace: to begin with M. de Launay; he comes from the Bastile, and with the ice at present covering the streets of Paris——”
“No; but he will leave after the prisoners’ dinner, at twelve o’clock.”
“Pardon me, your grace, but the dinner hour at the Bastile has been changed since your grace was there; it is now one.”
“Sir, you are learned on all points; pray go on.”
“Madame Dubarry comes from the Luciennes, one continued descent, and in this frost.”
“That would not prevent her being punctual, since she is no longer a duke’s favorite; she plays the queen only among barons; but let me tell you, sir, that I desire to have dinner early on account of M. de la Pérouse, who sets off to-night, and would not wish to be late.”
“But, your grace, M. de la Pérouse is with the king, discussing geography and cosmography; he will not get away too early.”
“It is possible.”
“It is certain, your grace, and it will be the same with M. de Favras, who is with the Count de Provence, talking, no doubt, of the new play by the Canon de Beaumarchais.”