wheels hastened, napkin in hand, to greet the travellers, "you
will be promptly and comfortably served in your room; but if
you will permit me to advise--" He hesitated.

"Oh, go on! go on!" said the younger of the travellers, speaking
for the first time.

"Well, it would be that you dine at the table d'hote, like the
traveller for whom this coach, already harnessed, is waiting.
The dinner is excellent and all served."

The host at the same time indicated a comfortably appointed carriage,
to which were harnessed two horses who were pawing the ground,
while the postilion sought patience in the bottle of Cahors wine
he was emptying near the window-ledge. The first movement of
him to whom this proposal was made was negative; nevertheless,
after a second's reflection, the elder of the two travellers, as
if he had reconsidered his first decision, made an interrogative
sign to his companion, who replied with a look which signified,
"You know that I am at your orders."

"Very well, so be it," said the other, "we will dine at the table
d'hote." Then, turning to the postilion, who, hat in hand, awaited
his order, he added, "Let the horses be ready in a half hour,
at the latest."

And the landlord pointing out the way, they both entered the
dining-room, the elder of the two walking first, the other following
him.