But who is there ?" "It is my companion knocking.

What is it, mademoiselle ?" "Monsieur Corneille, to read to the king," said the young lady, opening the door.
"Ah, yes, sire; I know how foolish is a woman's tongue, and so I have brought a wiser one than mine here to charm you.

Monsieur Racine was to have come, but I hear that he has had a fall from his horse, and he sends his friend in his place.

Shall I admit him ?" "Oh, as you like, madame, as you like," said the king listlessly.

At a sign from Mademoiselle Nanon a little peaky man with a shrewd petulant face, and long gray hair falling back over his shoulders, entered the room.