And as the gentleman, who did not seem to be hungry, was thinking what he wanted, the servant added,—
"Coffee, soup, tea?"
"No," said the gentleman; "give me a little vermouth and seltzer water."
The servant retired, and soon returned with a tray containing the order. The gentleman poured out a little vermouth and seltzer water, then rolled a cigarette, lighted it, and, leaning back upon the rounded seat of the green bench, looked with pleasure at the lovely scene around him. On the left, in a small lake framed in the green lawn, was reflected one wing of the old château, as in a mirror. The bricks, whose colors were lighted up by the sun, seemed to be burning in the midst of the water. The large lawn began at the end of a gravelled walk, and seemed to be without limit, for the park merged into cultivated ground, and verdant hills rose over hills. There was not a cloud in the sky.
The gentleman, after gazing for some minutes around him, got up and opened the door of the château. He called out, "Peter!" in a subdued voice, fearing, no doubt, to waken some sleeper.
The servant ran out at once.
"Well, Peter," said the gentleman, "have the papers come?"
"No, sir; they have not yet come. That surprises me. If you wish, sir, I will go and meet the postman."
And Peter was soon lost to sight in a little shady alley which descended into the high-road. In a few moments he reappeared, followed by a man.
"Sir," said he, "I did not meet the letter-carrier; but here is a man with a telegraphic despatch."