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Rh pigeon stood out a little more stiffly than usual at hearing such doctrines.

"Well, well," interrupted the Queen, impatiently; "you take good care to surround yourself with them."

"I'll tell you an anecdote," said De Joinville. "You are aware that the privilege of entrance to the staircase of the Louvre is reserved to the Princes, to Ambassadors, and to Dukes. One evening, when we were all assembled after his Majesty's supper, M. de Roquelaure entered, and advancing at once to the King, said, 'I came in my carriage to the bottom of the staircase.' Now he is not entitled to this honour, and the King is severe on any breach of etiquette; so he was asked, in an angry tone of voice, 'And who could be ignorant enough to allow you to enter?' 'Ignorant, indeed, Sire,' replied Roquelaure; 'for he allowed me to pass under the name of the Duc d'Epernon, the last deceased.' Louis laughed at this; and we all, as in duty bound, followed the example. 'I must tell you how it happened,' continued Roquelaure. 'It was raining in torrents when I arrived at the Louvre, and I told my coachman to enter. The sentinel called out, 'Who is it?' 'It is a Duke.' 'What Duke?' 'The Duke d'Epernon.' 'Which?'