“Then I,” said Taverney, piteously, “am condemned; it is too late for me.”
“M. de Richelieu has been more skilful than you,” said La Pérouse naïvely, “and I have always heard that he had some secret.”
“It is a report that the women have spread,” laughed Count Haga.
“Is that a reason for disbelieving it, duke?” asked Madame Dubarry.
The old duke colored, a rare thing for him; but replied, “Do you wish, gentlemen, to have my receipt?”
“Oh, by all means.”
“Well, then, it is simply to take care of yourself.”
“Oh, oh!” cried all.
“But, M. Cagliostro,” continued Madame Dubarry, “I must ask more about the elixir.”
“Well, madame?”