Of course they were obliged to descend the area steps; but, the passage once gained, and the doors thrown open, they were surprised by the splendour of the scene.
They were received by Mr. Higgins, who was supported by Monsieur Zephyrus.
First to arrive were the Tankards. Tom was very much struck by the appearance of Zephyrus, and wondered who he was, never supposing him to be a cook. His father told him he was a cordon bleu, but that did not enlighten him; and the marked attentions paid by the gallant Frenchman to Madame Sigebert Smart, when she arrived with her husband, puzzled him still more. He could not understand how such a distinguished-looking personage could be on intimate terms with a coiffeur and his wife.
As soon as he got an opportunity, he said to Sigebert:
“Who's that very polite French gent talking to Madame?”
“Monsieur Zephyrus,” replied the coiffeur. “Don't you know him?”
“I don't recollect seeing him before,” remarked Tom. “The guv'nor says he's a cordon bleu. What does that mean?”
Scarcely able to refrain from laughing, Sigebert replied:
“It means that he's a knight of the Saint Esprit, The order was given him by Louis Napoleon. Chevalier Zephyrus is entitled to wear a broad blue ribbon, with a cross attached to it, but he doesn't put it on now.”
“He seems a very condescending sort of fellow for a chevalier,” said Tom. “No nonsensical pride about him.”