Then, after removing all the stiff pillows, inclines, foot pieces and
head pieces that make European beds so uncomfortable, he slipped between
the covers, and slid quickly into a long and soothing sleep, from which
he was awakened apparently about a minute later by Lannes himself, who
stood over him, dressed fully, tall and serious.

"Why, I just got into bed!" exclaimed John.

"You came in here a full seven hours ago. Open your window and you'll
see the dawn creeping over Paris."

"Thank you, but you can open it yourself. I never fool with a European
window. I haven't time to master all the mechanism, inside, outside and
between, to say nothing of the various layers of curtains, full length,
half length and otherwise. Nothing that I can conceive of is better
fitted than the European window to keep out light and air."

Lannes smiled.

"I see that you're in fine feather this morning," he said, "I'll open it
for you."

John jumped up and dressed quickly, while Lannes, with accustomed hand,
laid back shutters and curtains.

"Now, shove up the window," exclaimed John as he wielded towel and
brush. "A little fresh air in a house won't hurt you; it won't hurt
anybody. We're a young people, we Americans, but we can teach you that.
Why, in the German hotels they'd seal up the smoking-rooms and lounges