I sat on a plush-bottomed gilded chair, whilst my pseudo-sister transacted her business in an adjoining room--a room exactly corresponding with that within which de Mersch had lurked whilst the lady was warning me against him.

A clerk came after awhile, carried me off into an enclosure, where my bill was discounted by another, and then reconducted me to my plush chair.

I did not occupy it, as it happened.

A meagre, very tall Alsatian was holding the door open for the exit of my sister.

He said nothing at all, but stood slightly inclined as she passed him.