“He’s jealous, too,” said Alphonso to himself, complacently. “It is clear he envies me my invitation.”
“What do you think I ought to wear, Mr. Kidder?” he asked.
“Dress suit and white tie, of course.”
“So I think. I’m really sorry I can’t take you with me, Kidder.”
“Oh, I couldn’t go to-night. I’ve got a ticket to the theatre.”
“I’d rather meet the count than go to forty theatres,” thought Alphonso. “Wouldn’t it be a splendid thing if he should take a fancy to me, and invite me to visit him at his chateau in la belle France?”
Alphonso made so many mistakes during the remainder of the day that he might have been spared considerably sooner without detriment to the business.
CHAPTER XXII.
COUNT ERNEST DE MONTMORENCY.
At eight o’clock Alphonso knocked at the door of Mr. Ingalls’ room. He was got up with the utmost magnificence which he could command. With his dress-coat, white tie, and imitation diamond pin, he made an imposing appearance.
“I am glad to see you, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls. “Count Ernest de Montmorency, permit me to introduce my friend, Mr. Alphonso Jones.”