The count, a little man, with a waxed mustache of extraordinary size, a long nose, and pale, watery eyes, rose, and bowed profoundly.
“I am most happy, Monsieur Jones, to have ze honor of making your acquaintance,” he said.
“My lord count, the honor is on my side,” returned Alphonso, with an elaborate bow, which he had learned in dancing-school.
“Mr. Jones,” said Ingalls, “will you take the chair next to the count? Our distinguished friend is desirous of making some inquiries about fashionable society in America.”
“I shall be most happy,” replied Alphonso, immensely flattered, “to give the noble count any information in my power.”
“I understand from Monsieur Ingalls you do go much in society,” said the count.
“A little, your lordship,” said Mr. Jones, modestly. “I am intimate in some of our leading families.”
“You have some fine watering-places, n’est ce pas?”
“Yes, my lord count,—Newport, Saratoga, and Long Branch are all fashionable.”
“You have visit zem all?”