because its wearer is worthy of a surtout?"

"The prompt nature of hunger is well known. Fifty years ago, I might
have shrieked in the _Place de la Concorde_. France has degenerated; I
polish your shoes."

The assumption of inferiority was so defiant that I said, bluntly, "This
can never excuse the neglect of faculties bestowed by Heaven."

He shrugged his shoulders, and answered, "There was a time when power
succumbed to intellect. 'Stand out of my sunlight,' said Diogenes to
Alexander; and Alexander did so. This is Paris, M. Granger, and we are
living on the _Rue Lepelletier_."

"And, frightened at its splendor, M. Marcel has prudently determined to
put his brains under regimen."

"M. Marcel has prudently determined to avoid in future a _tête-à-tête_
with his superiors."

He started abruptly to the door, and I called him back; determined
distance even in a servant is far from flattering, and I asked him
frankly if his visits to my apartments were as distasteful as his manner
would lead me to infer.

He answered, politely, "Were fickle Fortune waiting to conduct me to the
summit of my ambition, I would detain her a few hours to enjoy society
so charming; but M. Granger forgets he is addressing a domestic."

"Stubborn in your pride to the last! What am I to think of one who holds