And he returned to the room, where he found Dubois, who had entered by another door, and was waiting for him.
Dubois's face wore an expression of malicious satisfaction which did not escape the regent, who watched him some time in silence, as if trying to discover what was passing through the brain of this second Mephistopheles.
Dubois was the first to speak.
"Well, monseigneur, you are rid of him at last, I hope."
"Yes," replied the duke; "but in a manner which greatly displeases me—I do not like playing a part in your comedies, as you know."
"Possibly; but you might, perhaps, do wisely in giving me a part in yours."
"How so?"
"They would be more successful, and the denouements would be better."
"I do not understand—explain yourself, and quickly, for I have some one waiting whom I must receive."
"Oh! certainly, monseigneur, receive them, and we will continue our conversation later—the denouement of this comedy has already taken place, and cannot be changed."