CHAPTER XIV.—ALTER EGO.
Though by no means so stormy as that described by Fairchild, our voyage was an unconscionably long one. To say nothing of fogs and head winds, an accident befell our machinery, whereby we were compelled to lie to for sixteen precious hours, while the damage was repaired. We did not make Cherbourg till the afternoon of Friday, January 25.
Ashore, my first act was to enquire when a train would leave for Paris. A train would leave at midnight, due at the capital at half past nine in the morning. My next act was to telegraph Fairchild, informing him of our arrival, and warning him to expect us on the morrow.
At half past nine to the minute, Saturday, we drew into the Gare St. Lazare. We were a little surprised not to find Fairchild there to meet us, and perhaps also a little disturbed. Was Miriam so ill that he dared not leave her? After seeing our luggage through the Customs House, we got into a cab, and were driven to the Hôtel de la Bourdonnaye.
I inquired for Mr. Fairchild.
“Monsieur Fairchild is in his room, Monsieur.”
“Show us thither at once,” said I.
“Pardon, Monsieur. If Monsieur will have the goodness to send up his card—-”
“Josephine,” I exclaimed, “how do you account for this? Apparently we are not expected. He does not meet us at the railway station; and here at his hotel we are required to send up our card.”
“Well, send it up. We shall soon have an explanation,” Josephine said; and I acted upon her advice.