MISTAKEN FOR A PRINCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1138, 12 February 1884, Page 3

MISTAKEN FOR A PRINCE.

An adventure happened to M. Le Delibes, the celebrated author of ‘ Lakine,’ when in Brussels a short time ago : Beaching his room in the Hotel des Ambassadeurs, he took off his new shoes and placed them outside to be cleaned. To his great astonishment the landlord brought them back in person aud insisted upon the traveller’s change of appartment. ‘ I respect your incognito,’ said he ; ‘ but allow me the honour of placing my beat rooms at your disposal.’ Quite at a loss to understand the hotelkeeper’s motives, he silently accepted the change, and as he descended to supper a new surprise awaited him. All the servants were ranged in the room to do him honour, and saluted him, showing the most exaggerated marks of respect. Next morning he asked for his bill. ‘Oh ! nothing ! nothing !’ responded the landlord, ‘ but permit me out of gratitude for the great houour of your sojourn here to call the hotel in future ‘ The Prince of Wales’ Hotel.’ ’ ‘ I permit it,’ said Leo Delibes nobly. Later on the explanation came. It appears that he patronised the Prince’s bootmaker, who in error had inscribed the royal name upon his shoes. The porter had read the name, and the grand manners, combined with the blonde beard of the author, had sufficed to produce and favour the mistake