We arrived soon after.
“We are now at the Barrière” said Mr. Firkin.
“What do we do there?” asked Mr. Potiphar.
“We are inspected,” said Mr. Firkin.
Mr. Potiphar drew himself up with a military air.
We alighted and walked into the room where all the baggage was arranged.
“Est-ce qu’il y a quelque chose à déclarer?” asked an officer, addressing Mr. Potiphar.
“Good heavens! what did you say?” said Mr. P., looking at him.
The officer smiled, and Kurz Pacha said something, upon which he bowed and passed on. We stepped outside upon the pavement, and I confess that even I could not understand everything that was said by the crowd and the coachmen. But Kurz Pacha led the way to a carriage, and we drove off to Meurice’s.
“It’s awful, isn’t it?” said Mr. Potiphar, panting.