It is my fault
if it be not done already. But I made it my prayer that your
slumbers might be respected, and this necessary formula of my
presentation should be delayed until to-morrow in the morning.'
The old lady regarded me with undissembled incredulity, to which I
was able to find no better repartee than a profound and I trust
graceful reverence.
'French prisoners are very well in their place,' she said, 'but I
cannot see that their place is in my private dining-room.'
'Madam,' said I, 'I hope it may be said without offence, but
(except the Castle of Edinburgh) I cannot think upon the spot from
which I would so readily be absent.'
At this, to my relief, I thought I could perceive a vestige of a
smile to steal upon that iron countenance and to be bitten
immediately in.
'And if it is a fair question, what do they call ye?' she asked.
'At your service, the Vicomte Anne de St.-Yves,' said I.
'Mosha the Viscount,' said she, 'I am afraid you do us plain people
a great deal too much honour.'
'My dear lady,' said I, 'let us be serious for a moment. What was
I to do? Where was I to go? And how can you be angry with these
benevolent children who took pity on one so unfortunate as myself?
Your humble servant is no such terrific adventurer that you should
come out against him with horse-pistol and'--smiling--'bedroom
candlesticks.
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