We chatted amiably for a few moments; then the Captain, standing very erect and stiff, made me a beautiful bow and delivered the following remarkable question:
"Monsieur Van Twillaire, I am come to-day according to the American custom, to beg your permission to pay my addresses to mademoiselle, your daughter."
I inhaled the smoke of my cigarette in my astonishment. That was bad for me. After a silence I asked:
"Which daughter?"
"Mademoiselle Dulcima, monsieur."
After another silence I said:
"I will give you an answer to-morrow at this hour."
We bowed to each other, solemnly shook hands, and parted.
I was smoking restlessly in the conservatory of the hotel when a bellboy brought me the card of Captain le Vicômte de Barsac.
In due time the Vicômte himself appeared, elegant, graceful, smart; black, scarlet, and white uniform glittering with triple-gold arabesques on sleeve and Képi, spurs chiming with every step.