are generally the most deliberate. I took no notice at all,
assuming an air of entire unconsciousness. A few minutes later
Mary got up and made for the door, with Miss Dibbs in close
attendance. The imprudent child could not forbear to glance at
me; but I, seeing the dragon's watchful eye upon me, remained
absolutely irresponsive. Nay, to throw Miss Dibbs off the scent,
I fixed my eyes on my neighbor with assumed preoccupation.
Flushing painfully, Mary hurried out, and I heard Miss Dibbs
sniff again. I chuckled over her obvious disapproval of my
neighbor and myself. The excellent woman evidently thought us no
better than we ought to be! But I felt that I should go mad if I
could not speak to Mary soon.

"I went out and sat down in the veranda. It was then about half-
past ten. The ugly fellow whom I had noticed the evening before
was hanging about, but presently a waiter came and spoke to him,
and he got up with a grumble and went into the house. Ten
minutes afterward my neighbor of the salle a manger came
out. She looked very discontented. She rang a handbell that
stood on the table, and a waiter ran up.

"`Where's the head waiter?' she asked sharply.

"`Pardon, ma'mselle, but he is waiting on some ladies
upstairs.'

"`What a nuisance!' said she. `But you'll do. I want to give
him an order. Stay; come indoors and I'll write it down.'

"She disappeared, and I sat on, wondering how I was to get a