THROUGH FRANCE AND ITALY

339 which had much more the air of a secret than a petition-the other was, it was always successfulhe never stopped a woman but she pulled out her purse, and immediately gave him something.

I could form no system to explain the phenomenon. I had got a riddle to amuse me for the rest of the evening; so I walked upstairs to my chamber.

THE CASE OF CONSCIENCE

PARIS

I was immediately followed up by the master of the hotel, who came into my room to tell me I must provide lodgings elsewhere.... How so, friend? said I..... He answered I had had a young woman locked up with me two hours that evening in my bedchamber, and 'twas against the rules of his house.-Very well, said I, we'll all part friends, then, for the girl is no worse,—and I am no worse,—and you will be just as I found you. It was enough, he said, to overthrow the credit of his hotel.-Voyez vous, Monsieur, said he, pointing to the foot of the bed we had been sitting upon. I own it had something of the appearance of an evidence; but my pride not suffering me to enter into any detail of the case, I exhorted him to let his soul sleep in peace, as I resolved to let mine do that night, and that I would discharge what I owed him at breakfast.

I should not have minded, Monsieur, said he, if you