count. Baptistin left the room without waiting to answer, and in
two seconds reappeared, bringing on a waiter all that his master had
ordered, ready prepared, and appearing to have sprung from the ground,
like the repasts which we read of in fairy tales. "Really, my dear
count," said Morcerf, "what I admire in you is, not so much your riches,
for perhaps there are people even wealthier than yourself, nor is it
only your wit, for Beaumarchais might have possessed as much,--but it
is your manner of being served, without any questions, in a moment, in
a second; it is as if they guessed what you wanted by your manner of
ringing, and made a point of keeping everything you can possibly desire
in constant readiness."
"What you say is perhaps true; they know my habits. For instance, you
shall see; how do you wish to occupy yourself during tea-time?"
"Ma foi, I should like to smoke."
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