On his way out, he met Montalais, who was in attendance in the ante-room.

"It is very agreeable to pay you a visit here, but outside the door." Montalais made a very low obeisance.

"I do not quite understand what your royal highness does me the honor to say." "I say that when you are all laughing together in Madame's apartment, he is an unwelcome visitor who does not remain outside." "Your royal highness does not think, and does not speak so, of yourself ?" "On the contrary, it is on my own account that I do speak and think.

I have no reason, certainly, to flatter myself about the reception I meet with here at any time.

How is it that, on the very day there is music and a little society in Madame's apartments--in my own apartments, indeed, for they are mine--on the very day that I wish to amuse myself a little in my turn, every one runs away?
Are they afraid to see me, that they all take wing as soon as I appear?
Is there anything wrong, then, going on in my absence ?" "Yet nothing has been done to-day, monseigneur, which is not done every day." "What! do they laugh like that every day ?" "Why, yes, monseigneur." "The same group of people simpering and the same singing and strumming going on every day ?" "The guitar, monseigneur, was introduced to-day; but when we have no guitars, we have violins and flutes; ladies soon weary without music." "The deuce!--and the men ?" "What men, monseigneur ?" "M.