"Is M. the President extremely busy?"
"Extremely!" replied his father, without looking up from the paper. Raymond winced slightly; and, then, raising his eyes to the sky, murmured dolefully:
"What a beastly nuisance!"
M. the President glanced up in surprise.
"Did you want to speak to me?" he inquired, politely.
"Yes—and quite seriously!"
His father rose with a laugh and folded his paper.
"For how long?" he demanded, with a mischievous smile.
"Not very long!" Raymond hastily assured him. "At least, I don't think it will take long to say it."
"Try it in four words!"