But Louis led the way through a swing door to a staircase, and then, pushing his way through some curtains, along a short passage to another door, against which he softly knocked with his knuckles.

It was opened at once, and a _commissionnaire_ stood gazing stolidly out at us, a _commissionnaire_ in the usual sort of uniform, but one of the most powerful-looking men whom I had ever seen in my life.
"There are no tables, monsieur, in the restaurant," he said at once.

"There is no place at all." Louis looked at him steadily for a moment.

It seemed to me that, although I was unable to discern anything of the sort, some sign must have passed between them.

At any rate, without any protest or speech of any sort from Louis the _commissionnaire_ saluted and stood back.
"But your friend, monsieur ?" he asked.
"It will be arranged," Louis answered, in a low tone.