I stopped a minute before entering the Prefect’s suite of rooms. I was obliged to wipe my eyes, and in order to change the current of my thoughts I said to mon petit Dame.
“Tell me, should you think me pretty if you saw me now for the first time?”
“Oh yes!” she replied warmly.
“So much the better,” I said, “for I want this old Prefect to think me pretty. There are so many things I must ask him for!”
On entering his room, my surprise was great when I recognised in him the lieutenant I knew. He had become captain, and then Prefect of Police. When my name was announced by the usher, he sprang up from his chair and came forward with his face beaming and both hands stretched out.
“Ah, you had forgotten me!” he said, and then he turned to greet Madame Guérard in a friendly way.
“But I never thought I was coming to see you!” I replied; “and I am delighted,” I continued, “for you will let me have everything I ask for.”
“Only that!” he remarked with a burst of laughter. “Well, will you give your orders, Madame?” he continued.
“Yes. I want bread, milk, meat, vegetables, sugar, wine, brandy, potatoes, eggs, coffee,” I said straight away.
“Oh, let me get my breath!” exclaimed the Count-Prefect. “You speak so quickly that I am gasping.”