the grotesque good humour of the
pedant, Scapin's spicy deviltries, and the duenna's perfect acting
had taken Paris by storm, and their highest hopes were likely to be
realized. Having triumphantly won the approbation of the Parisians,
nothing was wanting but to gain also that of the court, then at Saint
Germain, and a rumour had reached their ears that they were shortly to
be summoned thither; for it was asserted that the king, having heard
such favourable reports of them, had expressed a desire to see them
himself. Whereas Herode, in his character of treasurer, greatly
rejoiced, and all felt a pleasant excitement at the prospect of so
distinguished an honour. Meanwhile the troupe was often in requisition
to give private representations at the houses of various people of rank
and wealth in Paris, and it quickly became the fashion among them to
offer this very popular style of entertainment to their guests.

Thus it befell that the tyrant, being perfectly accustomed to that sort
of thing, was not at all surprised, or suspicious of evil, when one
fine morning a stranger, of most venerable and dignified mien, presented
himself at the hotel in the Rue Dauphine, and asked to speak with him
on business. He appeared to be the major-domo, or steward, of some great
nobleman's establishment, and, in effect, announced to Herode that he
had been sent to consult with him, as manager of the troupe, by his
master, the Comte de Pommereuil.

This highly respectable old functionary was richly dressed in black
velvet, and had a heavy gold chain round his neck. His face was slightly
sunburnt; the wavy hair that fell upon his shoulders, his thick, bushy
eyebrows, heavy mustache, and long, sweeping beard were all white as
snow. He had the most patriarchal, benevolent air imaginable, and a very
gentle, yet dignified manner. The tyrant could not help admiring him
very much, as he said, courteously, "Are you, sir, the famous Herode I
am in quest of, who rules with a hand as firm as Apollo's the excellent
company of comedians now playing in Paris? Their renown has gone abroad,
beyond the walls of the city, and penetrated even to my master's ears,
on his estate out in the country."

"Yes, I have the honour to be the man you seek," the tyrant answered,
bowing very graciously.

"The Comte de Pommereuil greatly desires to have you give one of your
celebrated representations at his chateau, where guests of high rank are
sojourning at this moment