pproached the window to
look out, I fancied that every accidental glance of a passer-by was the
prying gaze of insolent curiosity. It was in a state of fever that I
dressed myself; and even then my costume of full dinner dress made
me feel ashamed to venture abroad. At last I took courage to order
breakfast. The respectful demeanor of the waiter gave me further
confidence, and I ventured to ask him a few questions on passing events.
I learned that the hotel was one usually frequented by foreigners, for
whose accommodation two or three Continental newspapers were taken. At
my request he fetched me one of these,--"La Gazette de Paris;" and with
this for my companion, I sat myself down at my fire, resolved to remain
a close prisoner for at least a day or two.

Towards evening I sent for a tailor and ordered two suits of clothes,
with linen, and, in fact, all that I stood in need of; and when night
set in, I issued forth to make several small purchases of articles I
wanted. It was late when I entered the hotel, and, not having eaten any
dinner, I felt hungry. The waiter showed me into the coffee-room, which
was arrayed in foreign fashion, and where they supped _a la carte_.

The general appearance of the company at once proclaimed their origin;
and a less practised eye than mine even, might have seen that they
were all natives of some Continental country. They talked loudly and
gesticulated wildly, careless to all seeming of being overheard
by strangers, and little regarding in whose presence they might be
standing. Their bearing was, in fact, such as speedily set me at ease
amongst them, and made me feel myself unnoticed and unremarked.

Seated at a small table by myself, I ordered my supper, and half
carelessly watched the others while it was being prepared. Whatever they
might have been by birth or station, they seemed now all in the very
narrowest circumstances. Threadbare coats and broken boots, worn hats
and gloveless hands, bespoke their condition; nor could all the swagger
of manner, or pretentious display of a ribbon or a cross, cover over the
evidences of real poverty that oppressed them.

Had I noticed these signs earlier, I should certainly have restricted
myself to a meal more befitting the place and its occupants. The humble
suppers I saw around me of bread and cheese now shocked me at what might
well appear display on my part; and had there been time to correct my
error, I should gladly have done so. It wa