A most extraordinary mob had assembled there, and the few seats that were still unoccupied were reserved.

A waiter informed them that the room never emptied between ten and one o'clock, such was the rush of appetite, sharpened by the keen mountain air.

So they had to resign themselves to wait, requesting the waiter to warn them as soon as there should be a couple of vacant places.

Then, scarcely knowing what to do with themselves, they went to walk about the hotel porch, whence there was a view of the street, along which the townsfolk, in their Sunday best, streamed without a pause.
All at once, however, the landlord of the Hotel of the Apparitions, Master Majeste in person, appeared before them, clad in white from head to foot; and with a great show of politeness he inquired if the gentlemen would like to wait in the drawing-room.

He was a stout man of five-and-forty, and strove to bear the burden of his name in a right royal fashion.