"In what capacity?" "Why, if it were only as a future tutor to your children, he would translate for them from the Greek for _Aσκρωνδη_ right on to λoς." "Not that," he said; "but I have an idea." "Upon my word, it does not surprise me." Whereat the prince began to laugh. "Do you think he would learn German?" "He would learn anything you wanted, monseigneur." "Very well. I will make him a secretary attached to Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans; when he knows German, he will translate the letters she receives from Germany ... that is the only post I have to offer him." "When will the salary begin?" "From to-morrow; tell him to call at Asseline's house." "I thank you, both on his behalf and on mine, monseigneur." He came nearer and nearer to the fireplace, rolling all the time the little bit of paper between his fingers. Finally he stretched out his arm towards the fireplace, but, holding my hand between the paper and the flames, I said-- "Pardon, monseigneur." "What do you want?" "That bit of paper...." "Why?" "It is my brokerage." "What will you do with it?" "I will have it framed." "Oh, I know you are quite capable of doing that. Let me burn it." "Monseigneur, I will hide it in a pocket-book and only show it once a week." "Do you promise?" "On my word of honour!" "In that case, you can take it, and as you are longing to leave me to go and tell the good news to your protégé, go along with you." "Oh, monseigneur, you shall not have the trouble of telling me twice." "Go, go." He waved me off with his hand, and I left him. Poor prince! I have many anecdotes to tell of him like this one; and I mean to tell them. It was because of his goodness of heart and the loyalty of his patriotism that he became popular. And, when he died, I wrote these prophetic words:-- "God has just taken away the only obstacle that exists between the Monarchy and a Republic." That is why you died, monseigneur: you were an obstacle: the Republic was a necessity. CHAPTER III The first representation of _Hernani_--The old ace of spades--The old man has a quarrel--Parodies--Origin of the story of Cabrion and of Pipelet--Eugène Sue and Desmares--Soulié returns to me--He offers me fifty of his workmen in the capacity of applauders--First representation of _Christine_--A supper at my lodgings--Hugo and de Vigny correct the objectionable lines _Hernani_ had been returned to Hugo almost without being examined; and we had not given them time to re-read it, as Taylor wanted to stage the play before his departure for Egypt. We were asked to hear it read before the Committee when the actors were present, as the play had been accepted beforehand. The reading of _Hernani_ made a profound sensation; nevertheless, I preferred, and still continue to prefer, _Marion Delorme._