AN INFORMAL TRIBUNAL I was awakened about midday by the _valet de chambre_, who informed me that a gentleman was waiting below to see me--a gentleman who had given the name of Monsieur Louis.

I ordered him to prepare my bath and bring my coffee.

When Louis was shown upstairs I was seated on the edge of my bed in my dressing-gown, smoking my first cigarette.
Louis had the appearance of a man who had not slept.

As for myself, I had never opened my eyes from the moment when my head had touched the pillow.

I had no nerves, and I had done nothing which I regretted.