Delhasse, who appeared to be taking a walk.

She bowed to me slightly and coldly.

Glad that she was so distant (for I did not like her looks), I returned her salute, and pursued my way to the hotel.

In the porch of it stood the waiter--my friend who had taken such an obliging view of my movements the night before.

Directly he saw me, he came out into the road to meet me.
"Are you acquainted with the ladies who have rooms on the first floor ?" he asked with an air of mystery.
"I met them here for the first time," said I.
I believe he doubted me; perhaps waiters are bred to suspicion by the things they see.
"Ah!" said he, "then it does not interest you to know that a gentleman has been to see the young lady ?" I took out ten francs.
"Yes, it does," said I, handing him the money.