[_Pausing._ What on earth does that mean? I should much like to see the author (_reading again from letter_),— “I intend as soon as I have realized what property I have, to go to Baden, and once more try my luck at the tables. If I win, I shall found a hospital; and if I lose—well, in that case, the only thing I can see for me to do is to join my mother.” [_Finishing reading letter._ That’s all; this gentleman has got no further, or else he has taken away the end of it. [_Commences re-reading in a low tone._ _Cha._ (_rousing himself_). Oh! I can’t lay here any longer. Morpheus won’t come to my aid. What shall I do? Well, I might just as well finish my letter to George. Why! what the deuce have I done with it? (_Searches in his pockets._) Why, it seems to me I left it on the table before I went to sleep. [_He looks upon the table._ _Luc._ (_again reading letter_). “In that case, the only thing I can see for me to do is to join my mother.” _Cha._ (_striking his forehead_). Confound it! I’ve left it in the next room. _Luc._ (_putting down letter, and taking up book_). After all, I’m not George, and I’ve no right to read that letter. _Cha._ But then my letter must be in the power of this woman. It appears to me that I’ve a perfect right to— [_Knocks gently at door._ _Luc._ Good gracious! there’s some one knocking. Who is there? What do you want? _Cha._ A thousand pardons, madam. I am the person who inhabited a few minutes ago the room you now occupy; and by accident in leaving the room I left an unfinished letter. _Luc._ (_aside_). Dear me! This is the young gentleman that’s too lazy for any thing. _Cha._ Would you be kind enough to return me my letter? _Luc._ (_embarrassed_). Sir, I’ll ring in order that your letter may be brought to you. _Cha._ A thousand pardons, madam; but pray don’t trouble to ring. Can’t you slip it under the door? _Luc._ Oh, certainly! There it is. [_Passes letter._ _Cha._ Thanks. (_Aside._) A charming voice,—soft as a bird’s; and, if the plumage only corresponds—(_He goes to examine fastening._) Confound this bolt! Infamous hotel! (_He returns to table, and prepares to write._) By the way, I should like to know if she’s read this (_looking at letter_). Well, there’s a very old method for ascertaining that: ask her. (_Goes to door, and knocks._) Madam, pardon me— _Luc._ What do you want, sir? _Cha._ Madam, my letter was left open on the table; and in taking it up—without, of course, the slightest desire—your eye must naturally have fallen upon it, and—