"He did not stop to hear, but went off and came back with a china cup and saucer on a little silver tray, as if I had been a born lady. I stirred up the tea and tasted it.
"'Donna moia un petite more sucre, if vous please,' said I.
"'We, madmoiselle, toot sweet,' says he.
"The fellow pronounced 'too' as if it had a t in it; but then, how could he understand good English?
"'No, no—not too sweet' said I; 'the contrary way. I want more la sucre, sugar, you know.'
"The fellow really did not understand his own language, but stood there looking wild as a fish-hawk. All at once he brightened up and ran out of the room. Directly he came back with another man. The moment I saw his face I jumped up, ready to scream with joy, and—and—yes, Miss Hyde, don't blush! but I sprang right into his arms and gave him a kiss.
"Who was it? Why, James, Mr. Lee's own man—a person—well, Miss Hyde, we all have secrets; but if ever a girl had a right to kiss a friend in a strange place, I had—that's all.
"'Oh! James, James Grant! It's Providence that sent you here!'
"'No,' he said, holding me tight and stopping my mouth while choke-full of words, 'I rather think it was your bad French, Lottie.'
"I would have struck him; only he held me so near and so tight it was impossible.