"Monsieur le vicomte," said the Count to Réginard, "I will not propose that you accompany me, for it will take me one day to make my abode sufficiently remarkable that a song might be sung in its regard."
"If you demand a day, monsieur le comte, I do not doubt that your palace will be worthy of the Valards. Decidedly, you have one Ring to rule them all at your disposal."
"Ma foi, let people believe that if you wish," said Monte Fato. "It will give me some credit among the ladies." With that, he departed, leaving Réginard and the Countess alone.
"Do you suffer, mother?" asked Réginard anxiously.
"It is but an attack of the usual vapors," replied Rosédès. "They lie heavily upon me like the beer of Brie."
"Would you wish for some café aux champignons to assuage them?"
"Thank you, I would."
