'These cursed fashions seem to be the only thing in my dominions which I cannot regulate.

My tailor, Duchesne, takes three inches from my coat-tails, and all the armies and fleets of France cannot prevent him.

Who is this ?' He had picked up a very gorgeous figure in a green coat.
'That is the grand master of the hunt, Sire.' 'Then it is you, Berthier.

How do you like your new costume?
And this in red ?' 'That is the Arch-Chancellor.' 'And the violet ?' 'That is the Grand Chamberlain.' The Emperor was as much amused as a child with a new toy.

He formed little groups of the figures upon the table, so that he might have an idea of how the dignitaries would look when they chatted together.
Then he threw them all back into the basket.
'Very good,' said he.