"
But at this juncture the host himself came hurrying forward with many bows
and endless rubbing of hands, which argued untold deference. He regretted
that the hostelry of the Conn?table, being but a poor inn, seldom honoured
as it was at that moment, possessed but one suite of private apartments,
and that was now occupied by a most noble gentleman. The lady tapped her
foot, and as at that moment her companion (who was none other than the
fair-haired doll I had seen with her on the previous day) entered the room,
she turned to speak with her, whilst I moved away towards the window.
"Will this gentleman," she inquired, "lend me one of his rooms, think you?"
"H?las, Mademoiselle, he has but two, a bedroom and an ante-chamber, and he
is still abed."
"Oh!" she cried in pretty anger, "this is insufferable! 'T is your fault,
Guilbert, you fool. Am I, then, to spend the day here in the common-room?"
"No, no, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the host in his most soothing accents.
"Only for an hour, or less, perhaps, until this very noble lord is risen,
when assuredly--for he is young and very gallant--he will resign one or
both of his rooms to you.
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