“It is an admirable idea!” said the journalist.
“And I do not doubt that a pamphlet called ‘The Paroxysms of the Princess Etteniotna at the house of the Fakeer Remsem’ would have a great success.”
“I believe it also.”
“Then go and do it.”
The journalist pressed the hand of the unknown. “Shall I send you some copies, sir? I will with pleasure if you will give me your name.”
“Certainly; the idea pleases me. What is the usual circulation of your journal?”
“Two thousand.”
“Then do me a favor: take these fifty louis, and publish six thousand.”
“Oh, sir, you overwhelm me. May I not know the name of such a generous patron of literature?”
“You shall know, when I call for one thousand copies—at two francs each, are they not? Will they be ready in a week?”