"I did not ask to be brought here.

My object this morning is to look for apartments." "Post in at mid-day, Monsieur," he observed, gravely.

"Monsieur's letters may have arrived." "I expect none, thank you." "Monsieur will, nevertheless, permit me to inquire," said the persevering valet, and glided in before my eyes.
The thing was absurd! Both master and servant insisted that I must have letters, whether I would, or no! To my amazement, however, Brunet came back with a small sealed box in his hands.
"No letters have arrived for Monsieur," he said; "but this box was left with the porter about an hour ago." I weighed it, shook it, examined the seals, and, going into the public room, desired Brunet to follow me.

There I opened it.

It contained a folded paper, a quantity of wadding, my purse, my roll of bank-notes, and my watch! On the paper, I read the following words:-- "Learn from the events of last night the value of temperance, the wisdom of silence, and the danger of chance acquaintanceships.