“A carpenter.”
“My brother, you know the fable of the Lion and the Rat,” said Madame Elizabeth.
“My friend,” said the King, “you see that I must enter my house. If you have need of me, ask for Cléry, my valet-de-chambre.”
“Sire,” replied I, “a man who has an occupation has need of no one, much less of a King.”
The King shrugged his shoulders, and mounted the staircase. Madame Elizabeth stayed behind.
“But, on the other hand, my friend,” said she, “suppose that we have need of you?”
“Ah, madame,” cried I, “that is another affair!”
“In that case, M. Réné Besson, ask for Cléry.”
She followed her brother, whilst I stood there motionless, regarding that angel who knew how to recompense one in asking.
On the morrow, the journalist, Prudhomme, wrote:—