"He is on the road, monsieur."

"Then there is the stronger reason for my remaining," said
the unknown.

"Very well; but will monsieur keep all the apartments?"

"I do not understand you. Why should I require less to-day
than yesterday?"

"Because, monsieur, your lordship will permit me to say,
yesterday I did not think proper, when you chose your
lodging, to fix any price that might have made your lordship
believe that I prejudged your resources; whilst to-day ----
"

The unknown colored; the idea at once struck him that he was
supposed to be poor, and was being insulted.

"Whilst to-day," replied he, coldly, "you do prejudge."

"Monsieur, I am a well-meaning man, thank God! and simple
hotelier as I am, there is in me the blood of a gentleman.
My father was a servant and officer of the late Marechal
d'Ancre. God rest his soul!"

"I do not contest that point with you; I only wish to know,
and that quickly, to what your questions tend?"