A merry look took the place of the astonishment which the regent's features had at first displayed.
"Ah, it is you, abbe!" said his highness, laughing, "and what is the meaning of this disguise?"
"It means that I have changed my skin, and from a fox have turned into a lion; and now Monsieur the Chemist and Monsieur the Secretary, do me the favor to take your bird and letters elsewhere."
"Why so?" asked the regent.
"Because I have important business to speak of with you."
"Go to the devil with your important business; it is too late: come to-morrow."
"Monseigneur," said Dubois, "do not force me to remain till to-morrow in this villainous disguise."
"Do what you please, but I have decided that the rest of this day shall be given to pleasure."
"Well, I come to propose a disguise to you also."
"A disguise! what do you mean, Dubois?" asked the regent, who thought it was probably one of his ordinary masquerades.