"It was nearly ten o'clock and our train was rapidly approaching
Paris. We passed village after village wrapped in mist, station after
station hung with twinkling red and blue and yellow lanterns, then
sped on again with the echo of the switch-bells ringing in our ears.

"When at length the train slowed up and stopped, I opened the window
and looked out upon a long, wet platform, shining under the electric
lights.

"A guard came running by, throwing open the doors of each compartment,
and crying, 'Paris next! Tickets, if you please.'

"I handed him my book of coupons, from which he tore several and
handed it back. Then he lifted his lantern and peered into the
compartment, saying, 'Is monsieur alone?' "I turned to Wilhelmina.

"'He wants your ticket--give it to me.' "'What's that?' demanded the guard.

"I looked anxiously at Wilhelmina.

"'If your father has the tickets--' I began, but was interrupted by
the guard, who snapped:

"'Monsieur will give himself the trouble to remember that I do not
understand English.' "

'Keep quiet!' I said, sharply, in French. 'I am not speaking to
you.'

"The guard stared stupidly at me, then, at my luggage, and finally,
entering the car, knelt down and peered under the seats. Presently he
got up, very red in the face, and went out slamming the door. He had
not paid the slightest attention to Wilhelmina, but I distinctly heard
him say, 'Only Englishmen and idiots talk to themselves!'