At Paris, a few minutes before the train started, seven gentlemen
entered my compartment; five of them were smoking. No matter that
the journey was a short one, the thought of traveling with such a
company was not agreeable to me, especially as the car was built
on the old model, without a corridor. I picked up my overcoat, my
newspapers and my time-table, and sought refuge in a neighboring
compartment.
It was occupied by a lady, who, at sight of me, made a gesture of
annoyance that did not escape my notice, and she leaned toward a
gentleman who was standing on the step and was, no doubt, her
husband. The gentleman scrutinized me closely, and, apparently, my
appearance did not displease him, for he smiled as he spoke to his
wife with the air of one who reassures a frightened child. She
smiled also, and gave me a friendly glance as if she now
understood that I was one of those gallant men with whom a woman
can remain shut up for two hours in a little box, six feet square,
and have nothing to fear.
Her husband said to her:
"I have an important appointment, my dear, and cannot wait any
longer. Adieu."
He kissed her affectionately and went away.
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