The valet opened the door, and the emperor entered the room, the frightened landlord following.
"These are my apartments!" continued Joseph, looking around.
"Yes, your majesty."
"I retain four of them—an anteroom, a sitting-room, a bedroom, and a room for my valet. I will keep them for six weeks, on one condition."
"Your majesty has only to command here."
"Well, then, I command you to forget what I am in Austria. In France, I am Count Falkenstein; and if ever I hear myself spoken of by any other name, I leave your house on the spot."
"I will obey your instructions, count."
"You understand, then, that I desire to be received and regarded as an ordinary traveller. Whence it follows that you will take in whatever other guests apply to you for lodging. You have proved to me to-day how unpleasant it is to be turned away, and I desire to spare other applicants the—same inconvenience."
"But suppose the Parisians should wish to see Count Falkenstein?"
"They will have to submit to a disappointment."