She concluded her epistle by saying: "Raffaello Cellini has been invisible ever since your departure, but our inimitable waiter, Alphonse, says he is very busy finishing a picture for the Salon--something that we have never seen.

I shall intrude myself into his studio soon on some pretence or other, and will then let you know all about it.

In the meantime, believe me, "Your ever devoted friend, AMY." I answered this letter, and then spent a pleasant evening at the Pension, chatting sociably with Madame Denise and another cheery little Frenchwoman, a day governess, who boarded there, and who had no end of droll experiences to relate, her enviable temperament being to always see the humorous side of life.

I thoroughly enjoyed her sparkling chatter and her expressive gesticulations, and we all three made ourselves merry till bedtime.

Acting on the advice of Heliobas, I retired early to my room, where a warm bath had been prepared in compliance with my orders.