You will receive as much more before
you return, and there will be handsome presents for the actresses
forthcoming, of valuable jewels, as souvenirs of the occasion."
After a momentary hesitation, the tyrant accepted the well-filled purse
tendered to him, and, with a gesture of acquiescence, put it into his
pocket.
"I am to understand then that you accept, and I may tell my master that
you will give a representation at the chateau, as he desires?"
"Yes, I place myself and my company at his disposition," Herode said,
smilingly. "And now let me know what day you want us to go, and which of
our pieces your master prefers."
"Thursday is the day my master designated; as for selecting the play,
that he leaves to your own good taste and discretion."
"Very well; and now you have only to give me directions as to the road
we must take to reach the chateau. Be as explicit as you can, I pray
you, so that there may be no danger of our going astray."
The agent of the Comte de Pommereuil accordingly gave the most minute
and exact directions possible, but ended by saying, "Never mind, you
need not burden your memory with all these troublesome details! I will
send you a lackey to serve as guide."
Matters being thus satisfactorily arranged, the charming old major-domo
took leave of Herode, who accompanied him down the stairs and across
the court to the outer door of the hotel, and departed, looking back to
exchange a last polite sign of farewell ere he turned the corner of the
street.
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