nose, and long reddish whiskers, slightly shaded with silvery threads,
falling half-way down his chest. Dressed in the latest style, he
wore a loose overcoat of rough material, pantaloons that spread
nearly to the tip of his boots, a wide shirt-collar turned over a
light cravat, on the bow of which shone a large diamond, and a tall
hat with rolled brims. With a blinking glance, he made a rapid
estimate of the dining-room, the shabby furniture, and the guests
seated around the table. Then, without even condescending to touch
his hat, with his large hand tightly fitted into a lavender glove,
in a brief and imperious tone, and with a slight accent which he
affirmed was the Alsatian accent:

"I must speak with you, Vincent," said he to his cashier, "alone and
at once."

M. Favoral made visible efforts to conceal his anxiety. "You see,"
he commenced, "we are dining with a few friends, and--"

"Do you wish me to speak in presence of everybody?" interrupted
harshly the manager of the Mutual Credit.

The cashier hesitated no longer. Taking up a candle from the table,
he opened the door leading to the parlor, and, standing respectfully
to one side:

"Be kind enough to pass on, sir," said he: "I follow you."

And, at the moment of disappearing himself,

"Continue to dine without me," said he to his guests, with a last