hotel.

At the portico I caught up to her.

"I have perpetrated the--the piece of idiocy," I said as I came
level with her.

"Have you? Then you can take the consequences," she replied
without so much as looking at me. Then she moved towards the
staircase.

I spent the rest of the evening walking in the park. Thence I
passed into the forest, and walked on until I found myself in a
neighbouring principality. At a wayside restaurant I partook of
an omelette and some wine, and was charged for the idyllic
repast a thaler and a half.

Not until eleven o'clock did I return home--to find a summons
awaiting me from the General.

Our party occupied two suites in the hotel; each of which
contained two rooms. The first (the larger suite) comprised a
salon and a smoking-room, with, adjoining the latter, the
General's study. It was here that he was awaiting me as he stood
posed in a majestic attitude beside his writing-table. Lolling
on a divan close by was De Griers.

"My good sir," the General began, "may I ask you what this is
that you have gone and done?"