funds."

"But I have none--save this;" and he produced two francs, and some sous
in copper.

"Well, then, Chopard must do it."

"I have not as much as himself," said Chopard.

"Send the landlord here," said Jerome; but indeed the command was
unnecessary, as that functionary had been an anxious listener at the
door to the very singular debate.

"We have forgotten our purses, Villaret," said Jerome, in the easy tone
his last ten hours of royalty suggested; "but we will send your money
when we reach home."

"I have no doubt of it, gentlemen," said the host, obsequiously; "but it
would please me still better to receive it now--particularly as I have
not the honour of knowing the distinguished company."

"The distinguished company is perfectly satisfied to know you: the
_cuisine_ was excellent," hiccupped Brissole.

"And the wine unexceptionable."

"The champagne might have been a little more _frappe_," said Brissole;
"the only improvement I could suggest."

"Perhaps there was a _nuance_, only a _nuance_, too much citron in the
_rognons a la broche_, but the _filets de sole_ were perfect."

"If I had the happiness of knowing '_Messieurs_,'" said Villaret, "I
should hope, that at another time I might be more fortunate in pleasing
them."

"Nothing easier," said Chopard. "I am _Maitre de Chapelle_ to the King
of Westphalia."

Villaret bowed low.

"And I am the Private Secretary and Privy Purse of his majesty."

Villaret bowed again--a slight smile of very peculiar omen flitting
across his cunning features, while, turning hastily, he whispered a word
in the ear of the waiter. "And this gentleman here?" said he, looking at
Jerome, who, with his legs resting on a chair, was coolly awaiting the
termination of the explanation. "And this gentleman, if I might make so
bold, what office does he hold in his Majesty's service?"

"I am the King of Westphalia!" said Jerome.

"Just as I suspected. Francois," said the landlord insolently, "go fetch
the gendarmes."

"No, no, _parbleu!_" said Jerome, springing up in alarm; "no gendarmes,
no police. Here, take my watch--that is surely worth more than your
bill? When I reach home I'll send the money."

The landlord, more than ever convinced that his suspicions were well
grounded, took the watch, which was a very handsome one, and suffered
them to depart in peace.

They had not been gone many minutes when, on examining the watch, the
landlord perceived that it bore the