And--well, sir, the servants wore no livery; but the boy declares that the horses were those of the Duke of Saint-Maclou." I muttered angrily to myself.

The waiter, discreetly ignoring my words, continued: "And, indeed, sir, madame expected to meet her daughter.

For I chanced to ask her if she would take with her a bouquet of roses which she had purchased in the town, and she answered: 'Give them to me.

My daughter will like to have them.'" The waiter's conclusion was obvious.

And yet I did not accept it.