Let us return to _Henri III._, which had nothing to do with all this, and which suddenly and unexpectedly found itself raised sky-high. My return was awaited with impatience, for they dared not advertise without the minister's permission. I brought them that permission, and they advertised. M. le Duc d'Orléans announced that he would be present at the second performance. When I reached the theatre that night, I was told that he had already arrived and had asked me to go to his box. I did as I was bidden, between the first and second acts. The densely packed theatre bore witness to the genuine strength of my success. The Duc d'Orléans received me most graciously. "Now, M. Dumas," he said, "are you not satisfied? You have gained your case against everybody--the public and myself included. Even Broval, Deviolaine and Oudard are enchanted." I bowed. "But for all that, do you know," he continued laughingly, "you have very nearly got me into serious trouble?" "You, monseigneur?" "Yes, I." "How is that?" "The king sent for me yesterday." "The king?" "Yes, indeed." "And what about, monseigneur?" "About your drama." "About _Henri III.?_" "'Are you aware of what I have been informed, _cousin_?' he said, laying emphasis upon the last word. 'I have been told that you have a youth in your offices who has written a play in which both you and I figure--I as Henri III., and you as the Duc de Guise?'" "Monseigneur, you could of course have replied that the king was mistaken and that the young man was no longer in your employ." "No; I much preferred to reply otherwise, and not to lie, since I mean to keep you on." "Then what did your Highness say?..." "I said, 'Sire, people have misinformed you, and for three reasons:--First, I do not beat my wife; secondly, Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans has not made me a cuckold; thirdly, your Majesty has not a more faithful subject than myself.' Do you think my reply was equal to anything you would have advised me to make?" "Indeed, monseigneur, it is infinitely more witty." "And nearer the truth, monsieur.... Ah! the curtain is rising: go about your business; mine is to listen to you." I bowed. "By the bye," said the duke, "Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans desires to see you to-morrow morning, to inquire how your mother is." I bowed and withdrew. Oh! what a power is success, with its notoriety and fuss over a name; with its calm and serene supremacy of mind over matter! M. de Broval, M. Deviolaine and M. Oudard were enchanted; the Duc d'Orléans had called me to his box to repeat a witty _mot_ he had said to the king; and, finally, Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans would see me on the morrow to ask me news of my mother! Birth, it would seem, only bestows principalities; talent gives the dignity of princehood.