"No, we have not got anything today," and she made a feint to close the
door.

What induced me to thrust myself in this creature's way? She took me
without further ado for a beggar.

I got cool and collected at once. I raised my hat, made a respectful bow,
and, as if I had not caught her words, said, with the utmost politeness:

"I hope you will excuse me, madam, for ringing so hard, the bell was new
to me. Is it not here that an invalid gentleman lives who has advertised
for a man to wheel him about in a chair?"

She stood awhile and digested this mendacious invention and seemed to be
irresolute in her summing up of my person.

"No!" she said at length; "no, there is no invalid gentleman living here."


"Not really? An elderly gentleman--two hours a day--sixpence an hour?"

"No!"

"Ah! in that case, I again ask pardon," said I. "It is perhaps on the
first floor. I only wanted, in any case, to recommend a man I know, in
whom I am interested; my name is Wedel-Jarlsberg," [Footnote: The last
family bearing title of nobility in Norway.] and I bowed again and drew
back. The young lady blushed crimson, and in her embarrassment could not
stir from the spot, but stood and stared after me as I descended the
stairs.