I addressed myself to M. Laclos.
“’Tis for me,” said I to him, “to thank his Highness for the great honor which he has conferred upon me; but it is for you to explain to him that I have left in the entrance-hall some one who awaits me; but that will not prevent me from giving Monseigneur,” continued I, turning to Duc d’Orleans, “the recital which I have just given you.”
“But,” said the Duc de Chartres, smiling, “it will prevent you from accepting my breakfast.”
“Monseigneur,” said I, “I am apprenticed to M. Duplay, your carpenter. It was he who had the goodness to tell M. Laclos that I should have the honor of being received this morning by the Prince, your father. It would be but a bad return, I think, for his kindness were I to leave him waiting in the ante-chamber—he who is my master,—whilst I had the honor of breakfasting with you. Excuse me,” said I, laughing. “I am a savage from the forest of Argonne; but, in all cases, I know Monseigneur to be sufficiently just and good to make him my judge in this case, and I promise faithfully to comply with his decree.”
“But, sir,” said Madame de Buffon, “do you know that, for a savage——From what forest said you?”
“The Forest of Argonne.”
“You express yourself well. One would think that all your life you had been talking to princes.”
“I have not all my life spoken to princes, but princes have often done me the honor to speak to me.”
“Truly! Who were they?”