First edition printed on ordinary paper. Handsome copy. Fine autograph inscription dated and signed by Gabriel Matzneff to Jean-Claude Barat, adoptive son and universal legatee of Henri de Montherlant: "Pour vous, cher Jean-Claude, afin de remplacer l'exemplaire oublié dans les wagons-lits, cette histoire où il y a beaucoup de lits, mais peu de wagons... avec ma fidèle amitié. Gabriel le 25 VI 74." (For you, dear Jean-Claude, to replace the copy forgotten in the sleeping cars, this story where there are many beds, but few wagons... with my faithful friendship. Gabriel 25 VI 74.) An admirer of Henri de Montherlant who committed suicide on September 21, 1972, Gabriel Matzneff scattered, in Rome, with his friend Jean-Claude Barat, the writer's ashes between the stones of the temple of Fortuna Virilis and into the Tiber.