“He looks promising, at any rate,” thought Roberts, “even if I can’t understand what he says!”
The man, after handing his coat to one of the domestics, bowed graciously to Roberts with another “Bien venu, monsieur!” Then he signaled the American to make himself comfortable before the fire, and Roberts lost no time in following his host’s suggestion, as he had been wet and cold for many hours.
“If this is an inn,” the stranger thought in the meantime—“gee whiz! but what will the bill be!”
All his belongings had by this time been carried away by the servants and he was left alone with his obliging host. The latter, after rubbing his hands a few times before the fire and surveying his guest with considerable interest, suddenly demanded:
“Avez-vous faim, monsieur?”
The American, of course, did not understand that, but he comprehended the signal a second later, and nodded his head vigorously. The other called for one of the servants and gave him a command.
The latter signed to Roberts to precede him up the broad staircase which opened into the hallway, and he soon found himself in front of an open door which led into a beautifully furnished bedroom. He entered, and the man followed, closing the door behind him.
Roberts gazed about him with something of a gasp of consternation. Here also was a grate fire, before which his hat and coat had been hung. The rest of his baggage had been brought into the room, and lying upon the bed he found a complete change of clothing, lacking nothing, from necktie down to evening slippers.
Almost before he had half succeeded in comprehending the state of affairs the servant, after several profuse bows, had set to work calmly removing his clothing.
Roberts was not used to a valet, but he concluded to keep the secret as well as possible and meekly allowed himself to be dressed. Half an hour later he was completely equipped, and the servant darted briskly to the door and opened it with an overwhelming bow.