"The bill, monsieur?" a waiter called after me as I descended the stairs.

I gave him five francs for a pour boire.

"Monsieur there will pay," I told him, pointing towards the room.


CHAPTER VIII

LOUIS INSISTS

I arrived at the Ritz to find Louis walking impatiently up and down the stone-flagged pavement outside the entrance. He came up to me eagerly as I approached.

"I have been waiting for you for more than an hour!" he exclaimed.

I looked at him in some surprise. I had not yet grown accustomed to hear him speak in such a tone.