"Monsieur Roguccio, did you procure seats on the Piazza de' Calaquendi as I ordered you yesterday?"
"Yes, Your Excellency," said the intendant. "Those which had been rented to Prince Pyotr Djaksonoff, but I had to burn ..."
"Bien, bien, that's good enough, monsieur Roguccio. Spare these messieurs the details de ménage. You may go and see to it that the coachman has the proper address ... and inform us when luncheon is served."
"These messieurs will do me the compliment of dining with me?" he added. "For I fear that the board in this city is not all that one would wish." (As indeed it was not; for no cuisine is more abominable than that of the Elves.)
"Really, monsieur le comte," said Réginard. "That would be to abuse your kindness."
"On the contrary," said the Count. "Perhaps you will return the favor some day in Annuminas. Monsieur Roguccio, prepare three places."
Roguccio bowed and left.
