"To His Majesty, Muzaffr-ed-Din, Shah of Persia. "Your Majesty,—
"Knowing that you look kindly upon French requests, I venture to address these few lines to you. I am expecting my sister, Mlle. Crampel, who has a situation in Russia; as she is ill, I would like her to remain in France. For us to live together, I should have to start a business with a capital of 3 to 5,000 francs, which I do not possess and which I cannot possibly find. I am 58 years of age.
"In the hope that you will lend a favourable ear to my request, I am
"Your Majesty's most humble servant,
"Madame M.
"P. S.—In gratitude, with Your Majesty's permission, I would place a sign representing Your Majesty over the shop-front."
"Sire,—
"The feeling that prompts me to write to you, O noble King, is the love which I feel for your country. I will come straight to the point: I will ask you, O Majesty, if I, a plain French subject, may have a post of some kind in your ideal kingdom.
"Dentist I am; a dentist I would remain, in Your Majesty's service. All my life long, you would be assured of my complete devotion.