"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 receptions 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 took to flight as soon as I appeared? 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 and the same scraping going on every day?"
"The guitar, monseigneur, was introduced to-day; but when we have no guitars, we have violins and flutes; women get wearied without music."
"The deuce! and the men?"
"What men, monseigneur?"
"Monsieur de Guiche, Monsieur de Manicamp, and the others."
"They all belong to your highness' household."
"Yes, yes, you're right," said the prince, as he returned to his own apartments, full of thought. He threw himself into the largest of his armchairs, without looking at himself in the glass. "Where can the chevalier be?" said he. One of the prince's attendants happened to be near him, overheard his remark, and replied:
"No one knows, your highness."
"Still the same answer. The first one who answers me again, 'I do not know,' I will discharge." Every one at this remark hurried out of his apartments, in the same manner as the others had fled from madame's apartments. The prince then flew into the wildest rage. He kicked over a chiffonier, which tumbled on the carpet, broken into pieces. He next went into the galleries, and with the greatest coolness threw down, one after another, an enameled vase, a porphyry ewer, and a bronze chandelier. The noise summoned every one to the various doors.
"What is your highness' pleasure?" said the captain of the guards timidly.
"I am treating myself to some music," replied the prince, gnashing his teeth.
