The two great men do not come, and the evening wants to be filled out.

_Tout a vous_, "ALPHONSE DECHAIR." "It shall be long, my dear boy, and we will fill out your evening for you," said I to myself, well pleased so far.
Then I opened the signorina's epistle.
"DEAR MR.

MARTIN [it began]: Will you be so kind as to send me in the course of the day _twenty dollars in small change_?
I want to give the school children a scramble.

I inclose check.

I am so sorry you could not dine with me to-night, but after all I am glad, because I should have had to put you off, for I am commanded rather sudden to dine at the Golden House.