He saw that I was observing him, and appeared uneasy and offended.
I had already ascertained that he spoke a little English. Of
Flemish I knew literally nothing, and in French, with which probably
he was also acquainted, I was by no means voluble. The business
which I had to transact was intricate, and I required the use of my
mother-tongue.

It was intricate and delicate, and difficult withal. I began by
remarking on the weather, but he did not take my remarks kindly. I
am inclined to fancy that he thought I was desirous of borrowing
money from him. At any rate he gave me no encouragement in my first
advances.

"Vat misfortune?" at last he asked, when I had succeeded in making
him understand that a gentleman up stairs required his assistance.

"He has lost these things," and I took hold of my own garments.
"It's a long story, or I'd tell you how; but he has not a pair in
the world till he gets back to Brussels,--unless you can lend him
one."

"Lost hees br-?" and he opened his eyes wide, and looked at me with
astonishment.

"Yes, yes, exactly so," said I, interrupting him. "Most astonishing
thing, isn't it? But it's quite true."

"Vas hees money in de pocket?" asked my auspicious landlord.

"No, no, no. It's not so bad as that, his money is all right. I