- I like a good distinction in my heart; and cannot say I
was intolerably out of temper with the man. - I own it is necessary,
resumed the master of the hotel, that a stranger at Paris should
have the opportunities presented to him of buying lace and silk
stockings and ruffles, et tout cela; - and 'tis nothing if a woman
comes with a band-box. - O, my conscience! said I, she had one but I
never look'd into it. - Then Monsieur, said he, has bought nothing?-
-Not one earthly thing, replied I. - Because, said he, I could
recommend one to you who would use you en conscience. - But I must
see her this night, said I. - He made me a low bow, and walk'd down.
Now shall I triumph over this maitre d'hotel, cried I, - and what
then? Then I shall let him see I know he is a dirty fellow. - And
what then? What then? - I was too near myself to say it was for the
sake of others. - I had no good answer left; - there was more of
spleen than principle in my project, and I was sick of it before
the execution.
In a few minutes the grisette came in with her box of lace. - I'll
buy nothing, however, said I, within myself.
The grisette would show me everything. - I was hard to please:
