"Monsieur Corneille, I am obliged to you for what you have read, and I regret that an affair of state will now interrupt your comedy.

Some other day perhaps I may have the pleasure of hearing the rest of it." He smiled in the gracious fashion which made all who came within his personal influence forget his faults and remember him only as the impersonation of dignity and of courtesy.
The poet, with his book under his arm, slipped out, while the famous minister, tall, heavily wigged, eagle-nosed, and commanding, came bowing into the little room.

His manner was that of exaggerated politeness, but his haughty face marked only too plainly his contempt for such a chamber and for the lady who dwelt there.

She was well aware of the feeling with which he regarded her, but her perfect self-command prevented her from ever by word or look returning his dislike.
"My apartments are indeed honoured to-day," said she, rising with outstretched hand.

"Can monsieur condescend to a stool, since I have no fitter seat to offer you in this little doll's house?
But perhaps I am in the way, if you wish to talk of state affairs to the king.