"'I do not understand.'
"'I say that this is where one can taste bear.'
"The maître de l'hôtel looked at the traveller in amazement.
"'Why here more than anywhere else?' he asked.
"'Because it was here that M. Dumas had it.'
"'M. Dumas?'
'Yes, M. Alexandre Dumas.... Do you not know M. Alexandre Dumas?'
"'No.'
'The author of Henri III., of Antony and of La Tour de Nesle?'
"'I have not the pleasure of his acquaintance.'