"'Bring some fried eggs,' called out the Doctor, before I could answer.
"'Oui, messieurs,' replied the waiter, quickly darting into the kitchen.
"'Oh, it must be ze dinnaire,' again muttered our old friend opposite; 'certainlee, it must be ze dinnaire.'
"The eggs were brought and soon despatched. The old Frenchman looked aghast.
"'Pardon me once more, my dear young friend,' he said, 'ess zis your breakfast or your dinnaire?'
"The Doctor winked at me not to answer, and called out, 'Waiter! two more cups of tea!'
"The old Frenchman looked at his watch and said despairingly, 'Oh, it must be ze dinnaire. Dinnaire at half-past eight! Mon Dieu! Howevaire, I will ask once more. My dear sare, ess zis your breakfast or your dinnaire?'
"'Sir,' I replied, somewhat petulantly, 'we came here to eat, not to answer questions!'
"'Yes, sare, but I am a journalist, and am anxious to study ze characteristics of ze Engleesh; zerefore, I ask, ess zis your breakfast or your dinnaire?'
"'Bring more toast, waiter,' said the Doctor.