PROFITABLE PRESENT-GIVING

New Zealand Tablet, 1 June 1911, Page 1029

PROFITABLE PRESENT-GIVING

A Russian Grand Duke, finding himself with a few days to spare 'in Pans, went one evening to the theatre, and, being a person of importance, thought himself bound to send a bouquet to the principal actress. A month afterward, being in the same apartments, his servant announced that a lady wished to see him. Going to the room, he found an unknown lady before him. I am afraid your Highness does not recognise me,’ she said. ‘I am Mariquita, an actress, and I have come to thank you tor your numerous kind attentions,’ i recognise you now, madam,’ replied the Duke, ‘ but i think you are mistaken. I only sent you one bouquet.’ Hut it was your servant who brought them each evening, she said. Accordingly the servant was called, and eventually, w itJi ( milch confusion, he said to his master: ‘ W hen I took the first bouquet, your Highness, the lady gave me a tip of 5 francs, and as the bouquet cost only 40 sous I made 3 francs over it. So I repeated the performance with the same result each time. I pray your Highness s pardon.’ 1 *