"If monsieur considers a clown unworthy to be his servant, monsieur has but to say the word, and I will relieve him of my services," rejoined Castorin, with his most majestic air. Canolles was not in a patient mood, and if Castorin had possessed the power to catch a glimpse even of the shadow of the storm that was brewing in his master's mind, it is certain that, however anxious he might have been to be free, he would have chosen another time to hazard the suggestion. Canolles walked up to him, and took one of the buttons of his doublet between his thumb and forefinger,--the familiar trick, long afterwards, of a much greater man than poor Canolles ever was. "Say that again," said he. "I say," rejoined Castorin with unabated impudence, "that if monsieur is not content with me I will relieve monsieur of my services." Canolles let go the button, and went gravely to get his cane. Castorin was not slow to grasp the meaning of that manœuvre. "Monsieur," he cried, "beware what you do! I am no longer a common valet; I am in the service of Madame la Princesse!" "Oho!" said Canolles, lowering the cane which was already in the air; "oho! you are in the service of Madame la Princesse?" "Yes, monsieur, since half an hour ago." "Who engaged you to take service with her?" "Monsieur Pompée, her intendant." "Monsieur Pompée?" "Yes." "Well! why didn't you tell me so at once?" cried Canolles. "Yes, yes, my dear Castorin, you are quite right to leave my service, and here are two pistoles to indemnify you for the blows I was on the point of giving you." "Oh!" ejaculated Castorin, not daring to take the money; "what does that mean? Is monsieur making sport of me?" "Not so. On the contrary I bid you by all means be Madame la Princesse's servant. When is your service to begin, by the way?" "From the moment that monsieur gives me my liberty." "Very well; I give you your liberty from to-morrow morning." "And until then?" "Until to-morrow morning you are my servant and must obey me." "Willingly! What are monsieur's orders?" said Castorin, deciding to take the two pistoles. "I order you, as you are so desirous to sleep, to undress and get into my bed." "What? what is monsieur's meaning? I do not understand," "You don't need to understand, but simply to obey. Undress at once; I will assist you." "Monsieur will assist me?" "To be sure; as you are to play the part of the Baron de Canolles, I must needs play the part of Castorin." Thereupon, without awaiting his servant's leave, the baron removed his doublet and hat and put them on himself, and locking the door upon him before he had recovered from his surprise, ran rapidly downstairs.