"And at your service." "But--" and the fluttering handkerchief indicated myself.
"Ah! Let me introduce you.

Monsieur Howard, my secretary--the Baron Giraud." I bowed as one only bows to money-bags, and the Baron stared at me.
Only very rich or very high-born persons fully understand the introductory stare.
"You may speak before Monsieur Howard," said the Baron, quietly.

"He is not a secretary _pour rire_." Had Miste been a secretary _pour rire_, I wondered?
I drew forward a chair and begged the Baron to be seated.

He accepted my invitation coldly, and seating himself seemed to lose nothing in stature.

There are some men who should always be seated.