on, I paid him a compliment on
his mastery of English, hazarding a suggestion that he must have passed
some time in this country.

"Yes," he replied, "I was in London for a year or more a little while
ago."

"Your English puts my French to the blush," I laughed, "else hospitality
would bid me use your language."

"You speak French?" he asked. "I confess it is easier to me."

"Only a little, and that learnt from merchants, not at Court." For
traders of all nations had come from time to time to my uncle's house at
Norwich.

"But I believe you speak very well," he insisted politely. "Pray let me
judge of your skill for myself."

I was about to oblige him, when a loud dispute arose outside, French
ejaculations mingling with English oaths. Then came a scuffle. With a
hurried apology, the gentleman sprang to his feet and rushed out. I went
on with my supper, supposing that his servants had fallen into some
altercation with the landlord and that the parties could not make one
another understand. My conjecture was confirmed when the traveller
returned, declaring that the quarrel arose over the capacity of a
measure of wine and had been soon arranged. But then, with a little cry
of vexation, he caught up the pocket-book from the table and darted a
quick glance of suspicion at me. I was more amazed than angry, and my
smile caused him confusion, for he saw that I had detected his fear.
Thinking him punished enough for his rudeness (although it might find
some excuse in the indifferent honesty of many who frequented the roads
in the guise of travellers) I relieved him by resuming our conversation,
saying with a smile,

"In truth my French is a school-boy's French. I can tell the parts of
the verb _J'aime, tu aimes, il aime;_ it goes so far, sir, and no
farther."

"Not far in speech, though often far enough in act," he laughed.

"Truly," said I with a sigh.

"Yet I swear you do yourself injustice. Is there no more?"

"A little more of the same sort, sir." And, casting about for another
phrase with which to humour him, I took the first that came to my
tongue; leaning my arms on the table (for I had finished eating), I said
with a smile, "Well, what say you to this? This is something to know,
isn't it? _Je viens, tu viens, il vient._"

As I live, he sprang to his feet with a cry of alarm! His hand darted to
his breast where he had stowed the pocket-book; he tore it out and
examined the fastening with furious haste and