“And pray how do you know?”
The marshal bit his lips, and replied, “Oh, it is a family secret.”
“Well, really, marshal,” said the countess, “one should put on a double coat of rouge before visiting you;” and turning again to Cagliostro, “then, sir, you have the art of renewing your youth? For although you say you are three or four thousand years old, you scarcely look forty.”
“Yes, madame, I do possess that secret.”
“Oh, then, sir, impart it to me.”
“To you, madame? It is useless; your youth is already renewed; your age is only what it appears to be, and you do not look thirty.”
“Ah! you flatter.”
“No, madame, I speak only the truth, but it is easily explained: you have already tried my receipt.”
“How so?”
“You have taken my elixir.”