TALLYRAND'S IMPERTINENCE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12488, 15 March 1909, Page 4

TALLYRAND'S IMPERTINENCE.

I Like many another famous man, both before his time and since. Tallyrand exhibited — at least in early life .—a great reluctance to settling with his creditors. When he was appointed . Bishob of Autun by Louis XVI. he considered a fine new coach necessary to the proper maintenance of the dignity of that office. Accordingly, a coach was ordered and delivered, but : not paid for. Some time -after, as the ; newly-appointed bishop was about to .enter his coach he noticed a strange man standing near, who bowed continually .until the coach was driven away. This occurred for several days ) until. at length Tallyrand, addressing I the stranger, said :—

"Well, my good man, who are you?-" ! "I am your coachmaker, my lord," replied the stranger. ' . ■ '.'Ah!"- said Tallyrand, '.'you are my coachmaker ; and what do you want^ my coachmaker ?". :-. ■ "I want to be paid, my lord." | "Ah!" you are my coachmaker, and you want to be paid. You shall be paid, my coachmaker." "But when, my lord?"

"Hum!" said Tallyrand, as he settled himself comfortably among the cushions of his -new coach" and motioned to 'his coachman to drive on. "You ~are very inquisitive."