though it was now too dark to see it
very distinctly.

As Mrs. Parkman turned round again, after trying to look out at the
window, she saw a second waiter coming into the room, bringing with him
two tall wax candles in silver candlesticks. The candles had just been
lighted. The waiter placed them on the table, and then retired.

"And now," said Mr. George to the other waiter, "we want a good fire
made here, and then let us have dinner as soon as you can."

[Illustration: THE DINNER.]

"Very well, sir," replied the waiter; and so saying he bowed
respectfully and retired.

A neatly-dressed young woman, in a very picturesque and pretty cap, had
come into the room with the party, and while Mr. George had been
ordering the fire and the dinner, she had shown Mrs. Parkman to her
bedroom, which was a beautiful and richly furnished room with two single
beds in it, opening out of the parlor. On the other side of the parlor
was another bedroom, also with two beds in it, for Mr. George and
Rollo.[5]

[Footnote 5: Almost all the bedrooms in the hotels on the continent of
Europe are furnished thus with two single beds, instead of one double
one. It is the custom for every body to sleep alone.]

Mr. and Mrs. Parkman remained in their room for a time, and when they
came out they found the table set for dinner, and a very pleasant fire
burning in the grate.

"Mr. George," said she, "I wish we had you to make arrangements for us
all the time."

"It would be a very pleasant duty," said Mr. George. "You are so easily
satisfied."

Mrs. Parkman seemed much pleased with this compliment. She did not for a
moment doubt that she fully deserved it.

About eight o'clock that evening, Mr. George asked Mrs. Parkman at what
time she would like to have breakfast the next morning.

"At any time you please," said she; "that is, if it is not too early."

"How would half past nine do?" asked Mr. George.

"I think that will do very well," said Mrs. Parkman.

"We will say ten, if you prefer," said Mr. George.

"O, no," said she, "half past nine will do very well."

So Mr. George rang the bell, and when the waiter came, he ordered a
sumptuous breakfast, consisting of beefsteaks, hot rolls, coffee,
omelet, and every thing else that he could think of that was good, and
directed the waiter to have it ready at half past nine.

"I shall also want a carriage and a pair of horses to-morrow," continued
Mr. George, "and a commissioner."

"Ver