Fontan was outside with Prulliere and Bosc, and all three had bottles under their arms and their hands full of glasses.

He began knocking and shouting out that it was his patron saint's day and that he was standing champagne round.

Nana consulted the prince with a glance.

Eh! Oh dear, yes! His Highness did not want to be in anyone's way; he would be only too happy! But without waiting for permission Fontan came in, repeating in baby accents: "Me not a cad, me pay for champagne!" Then all of a sudden he became aware of the prince's presence of which he had been totally ignorant.

He stopped short and, assuming an air of farcical solemnity, announced: "King Dagobert is in the corridor and is desirous of drinking the health of His Royal Highness." The prince having made answer with a smile, Fontan's sally was voted charming.