"Cæsar, it was your consort's desire."
"Well, well, what matters it? Nothing! Where's the pen? Nothing matters now! But why has she gone away? How can I get out of this pretty pass single-handed?"
And having signed the death-warrant he fixed those charming and listless blue eyes upon the servants.
"The bath is ready, sire, and the supper will be served after it."
"The supper? I'm hungry no longer. But what dish is there?"
"Truffles from Africa."
"Fresh gathered?"
"They arrived this morning."
"Would n't it be better to raise an army, eh? What do you say, my friends? I feel so overwhelmed.... Truffles, you say? I was thinking about truffles only this afternoon."
The agitation of his countenance gave way to the airiest of smiles. Before plunging into the water, which was made milky and iridescent by the infusion of perfumes, Gallus waved his hand lightly: