“Do you attach much importance to it, Guiche?” inquired the prince.
“I do, my lord.”
“Well, you shall have it, but ask me for no more appointments, for there are none to give away.”
“Ah!” exclaimed the chevalier, “midday already, that is the hour fixed for the departure.”
“You dismiss me, monsieur?” inquired Guiche.
“Really, count, you treat me very ill to-day,” replied the chevalier.
“For heaven’s sake, count, for heaven’s sake, chevalier,” said Monsieur, “do you not see how you are distressing me?”
“Your highness’s signature?” said Guiche.
“Take a blank appointment from that drawer, and give it to me.” Guiche handed the prince the document indicated, and at the same time presented him with a pen already dipped in ink; whereupon the prince signed. “Here,” he said, returning him the appointment, “but I give it on one condition.”
“Name it.”