"But surely you will not be so unreasonable as not to hear what I have to say?"
"I am a stranger in this country, and can have nothing of importance with one I do not know."
"You have quarrelled with your lover and are in an ill-humour.
"Perhaps so. Well! come! I believe you have guessed the cause."
"Ah! it is the fate of us all to get into scrapes! But you will soon make it up; and now let me entreat your attention to what I have to offer."
I became impatient, and called my servant.
"Madame," resumed the stranger, "I am a gentleman, and mean no harm. But I assure you, you stand in your own light. I know more about you than you think I do."
"Indeed!"
"Yes, madame, you are waiting here for an august personage."
At this last sentence, my lips laughed, while my heart trembled.