Before long three loud knocks announced the arrival of Madame Cornelis in a sedan-chair, and I heard her ascending the stairs. She came in and seemed glad to see me, but did not come and give me those caresses which I had a right to expect. She ran to her son and took him on her knee, but the sleepy boy did not respond to her kisses with any great warmth. "He is very tired, like myself," said I, "and considering that we are travellers in need of rest you have kept us waiting a long time." I do not know whether she would have answered at all, or, if so, what her answer would have been, for just at that moment a servant came in and said that supper was ready. She rose and did me the honour to take my arm, and we went into another room which I had not seen. The table was laid for four, and I was curious enough to enquire who was the fourth person. "It was to have been my daughter, but I left her behind, as when I told her that you and her brother had arrived she asked me if you were well." "And you have punished her for doing so?" "Certainly, for in my opinion she ought to have asked for her brother first and then for you. Don't you think I was right?" "Poor Sophie! I am sorry for her. Gratitude has evidently more influence over her than blood relationship." "It is not a question of sentiment, but of teaching young persons to think with propriety." "Propriety is often far from proper." The woman told her son that she was working hard to leave him a fortune when she died, and that she had been obliged to summon him to England as he was old enough to help her in her business. "And how am I to help you, my dear mother?" "I give twelve balls and twelve suppers to the nobility, and the same number to the middle classes in the year. I have often as many as six hundred guests at two guineas a head. The expenses are enormous, and alone as I am I must be robbed, for I can't be in two places at once. Now that you are here you can keep everything under lock and key, keep the books, pay and receive accounts, and see that everyone is properly attended to at the assemblies; in fine, you will perform the duties of the master." "And do you think that I can do all that?" "You will easily learn it." "I think it will be very difficult." "One of my secretaries will come and live with you, and instruct you in everything. During the first year you will only have to acquire the English language, and to be present at my assemblies, that I may introduce you to the most distinguished people in London. You will get quite English before long." "I would rather remain French." "That's mere prejudice, my dear, you will like the sound of Mister Cornelis by-and-bye." "Cornelis?" "Yes; that is your name." "It's a very funny one."