"A thousand regrets." Duncombe looked at him astonished.

The place was more than half empty.
"Surely you can find me a small table somewhere," he said.

"I was here last evening, you know.

If it is because I am alone I will order supper for two and a magnum of wine." Monsieur Albert was immovable.

He remembered Duncombe well, and he was proud of his patronage, but to-night it was impossible to offer him a table.