They went up on deck, and while they stood waiting for the return of Monsieur Le Grange they exchanged good-byes with several fellow-voyagers who were leaving the ship for various points.
At length Monsieur Le Grange came up, bowing.
“I have procured a very comfortable carriage which awaits madame, and I have sent Felix on to the Hotel de l’Europe to secure a suite of rooms that they may be ready for madame, that she may not be kept waiting.”
“Thank you, monsieur; you have been very prompt,” said the baroness, graciously.
“Will madame now proceed to the carriage?” formally inquired the precise old gentleman.
“If you please, monsieur. And will you do me the favor to give your arm to Mrs. Wyvil?” inquired the baroness, according to her usual custom, “in honor preferring” her protégée, to herself.
“I will with pleasure do myself that honor, madame,” said the courtly old gentleman, first with a deep bow to his patroness and then with another to her protégée, as he offered the latter his arm.
“I have left everything here in charge of Felix and Lisette, monsieur. They will follow in the second carriage, as soon as our luggage can be got through, to that you need take no trouble at all,” the baroness explained, as they left the steamer.
The old secretary then put both ladies into the carriage, seated himself beside them, and gave the order:
“To the Hotel de l’Europe.”