, and I have come to ascertain whether it will
be possible for you to do so. The distance is not very considerable,
only a few leagues. The comte, my master, is a very great and
generous seignior, who is prepared to reward your illustrious company
munificently for their trouble, and will do everything in his power to
make them comfortable while they are under his roof."

"I will gladly do all that I can to please your noble master," the
tyrant replied, "though it will be a little difficult for us to leave
Paris at present, just in the height of the season; even if it be only
for a short absence."

"Three days would suffice for this expedition," said the venerable
major-domo persuasively; "one for the journey, the second for the
representation, and the third for the return to Paris. There is a
capital theatre at the chateau, furnished with everything that is
requisite, so that you need not be encumbered with much luggage--nothing
beyond your costumes. Here is a purse containing a hundred pistoles that
the Comte de Pommereuil charged me to put into your hands, to defray
the expenses of the journey. 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