I hope, though, I'm not TOO stuffy. Now that you're old enough to judge, you must tell me if ever you think I am.' Perhaps he would be able to talk like that before the evening was over.

Gerald was still staring out of the taxi window. 'Where are we going, dad?'

'The Crillon. My hotel. I thought you might like a bath before dinner. I have to change myself anyhow.'

'Change? You mean--' Gerald looked round and seemed to be studying his father's attire.

'Well, I had thought of a black tie in your honour.'

'I'm afraid I didn't bring--'

'Oh, then it doesn't matter. I'll wear what I have on, and if your lounge suit needs pressing the hotel people can do it in a hurry.'

'I'm terribly sorry, Dad, but I'll have to wear what I have on, too. All my clothes went through in a trunk to London--this bag's only got souvenirs and things in it--'

What Gerald had on included an open-necked shirt, tweed jacket, and grey flannel trousers.

Charles smiled. 'You could have something of mine, but since you've grown so tall I rather doubt . . . Well, the only real essential is a tie--which I CAN provide. I can also lend you pyjamas.'

'Pyjamas?'

'In case you forgot to pack them. And don't worry about a room-- the Crillon can fix you up in my suite.'

'But I--I'm--I wasn't planning to stay overnight. I'm booked through on the boat train from St. Lazare--'

'Tonight?'

'Yes. I'm terribly sorry if--'

Charles was hurt, but did not want to hurt himself more by showing it. 'You didn't say so, and I'm afraid I assumed--'

'I didn't think it mattered so long as there was time for dinner.'

'Of course. Oh, of course. Though if you wished I daresay even as late as this I could have your train ticket changed--'

'Except that I--I'd--well, actually I'd planned to join up with some of the others on the boat-train--some of the people I'd been with--I sort of promised . . . And then I've got dates in London tomorrow--Mallinson, for one--he has to fix a filling that came loose, so you see . . .'

'My dear boy, that's all right--don't let it bother you. I'm glad you're careful of your teeth--most important. . . . Well, here we are--the Place de la Concorde--one of the great sights of the world, and the best time to see it is about now when the lights are just coming on.