Mr. Lacelle, still holding Froll, brought forward a traveller’s writing-desk, filled with perfumed French paper, and then placing it before Eric, and saying politely, “At your convenience, monsieur,” he reseated himself.
Eric arranged the paper, took up a pen, and after writing the date, sat waiting for his instructions.
“For example, what do you say to two gentlemen?” asked Mr. Lacelle.
Eric was completely puzzled, and could only say, “Sir?”
“Pardon me!” exclaimed the Frenchman, “to one you would say ‘sir;’ but to two, would you say ‘sirs’?”
“Yes,” answered Eric, but, recollecting some letters he had copied for his father, added, “O, no: it’s Messrs.”
“Exactly!” said Mr. Lacelle. “I thank you. That is fine.”
He appeared quite relieved, and began dictating.
“The Vyverberg, at the Hague,
Holland, October 21, 186-.