The duke looked at me for a moment, and, seeing how calmly I met his scrutiny, he replied—
"I would have granted your request with great pleasure, M. Dumas, for various people have told me that if you were not a model of industry you were an example of perseverance; but, unfortunately, it is impossible."
"Your Highness probably means that a man who aspires to talk with people in high places should know better than to interrogate a prince; but, monseigneur, I have come to you in such exceptional circumstances that I will venture to ask whence arises that impossibility, for I must confess it disappoints me greatly."
"You shall judge for yourself: to-morrow I expect twenty to thirty princes and princesses to dinner."
"Would it not be a novel entertainment, monseigneur, to take these princes and princesses to see Henri III.?"
"How could I take them to see it when dinner begins at six and Henri III. begins at seven?"
"Let monseigneur advance his dinner one hour and I will delay Henri III. for an hour; that would allow monseigneur three hours wherein to assuage the hunger of his august guests."
"Well, that is not a bad idea.... Do you think the Théâtre-Français would consent to the delay?"
"They would be only too delighted to accommodate your Highness."