"Have you finished?" asked the diplomatist.
"Nearly; it only remains for me to add, that if you render me this immense service, you will make me the happiest of men, and I shall be eternally grateful to you. What I ask is easy, it appears to me."
"Yes, it is easy enough."
"Then I may count on your kindness?"
"I do not say that."
"What, you refuse me?"
"For your good; in your interest I ought to do so."
"Parbleu! That is good!" cried the artist, quite disappointed.
"I know better than yourself what is good for you; let me explain myself."
"Speak, but I warn you beforehand, that you will not succeed in convincing me."