"'Gentlemen, of course?' said the clerk, looking at me narrowly.
"'One lady.'
"'Married, of course?'
"'What's that to you?' I said, sharply. 'What do you mean by speaking to us—'
"'Us!'
"'I mean to me,' I said, badly rattled; 'give me the rooms and let me get to bed, will you?'
"'Monsieur will remember,' said the clerk, coldly, 'that this is an old and respectable hotel.'
"'I know it,' I said, smothering my rage.
"The clerk eyed me suspiciously.
"'Front!' he called, with irritating deliberation. 'Show this gentleman to apartment ten.'