and in fact suggesting the idea of an infirmary for old and disabled carriages of either sex, mails and others.

'Oh, I have it,' cried I, 'we are arrived at Mt.

Geran, and they are all at dinner, and from my being alone in the coupe, they have forgotten to call me.' I immediately opened the door and stepped out into the innyard, crowded with conducteurs, grooms, and ostlers, who, I thought, looked rather surprised at seeing me emerge from the diligence.
"'You did not know I was there,' said I, with a knowing wink at one of them as I passed.
"'Assurement non,' said the fellow with a laugh, that was the signal for all the others to join in it.

'Is the table d'hote over ?' said I, regardless of the mirth around me.

'Monsieur is just in time,' said the waiter, who happened to pass with a soup-tureen in his hand.