“Between nine and ten o’clock.”
“What time is it now?”
“Half-past eight.”
“You know, I suppose, that my only costume is that of a National Guard?”
“It is the costume of patriots.”
“But still, when one goes near princes! Does my coat want brushing?”
“Leave that to Catherine. You occupy yourself with putting on a clean shirt, if you have any. I will see that your clothes and boots are brushed. If you have not any clean linen, I can lend you some.”
“Thank you; I have all that I require in my bag.”
“Dress, then; don’t waste time.”
And Maître Duplay, Republican though he was, enchanted to conduct me before a prince, took my coat, hat, trousers and boots, down stairs for Catherine to brush.