Paula's eye fell upon a felt hat to which a small block-book was attached by a string.

She knew that hat and block-book well, and turning to Mrs.Goodman said, 'After all, I don't want the breakfast they are having: let us order one of our own as usual.

And we'll have it here.' She led on to where some little tables were placed under the tall shrubs, followed by her aunt, who was in turn followed by the proprietress of the hotel, that lady having discovered from the French maid that there was good reason for paying these ladies ample personal attention.
'Is the gentleman to whom that sketch-book belongs staying here ?' Paula carelessly inquired, as she indicated the object on the hat-stand.
'Ah, no!' deplored the proprietress.

'The Hotel was full when Mr.
Somerset came.

He stays at a cottage beyond the Rue Anicet Bourgeois: he only has his meals here.' Paula had taken her seat under the fuchsia-trees in such a manner that she could observe all the exits from the salle a manger; but for the present none of the breakfasters emerged, the only moving objects on the scene being the waitresses who ran hither and thither across the court, the cook's assistants with baskets of long bread, and the laundresses with baskets of sun-bleached linen.