Madam Cosima and our companions rejoined us, and we walked a long
time in that limitless garden. But it was growing late; we could not
abuse our welcome. We wished to take leave; they exclaimed at that, and
we confessed, with much laughter, our fasting of the day before, our
culpable habit of dining in the evening. Then the Master showed a real
chagrin; he could not pardon himself for having forgotten that French
customs are different from those of German Switzerland. We were moved
almost to shame for having provoked such regret, which revealed to us,
however, the keen sensibility and the sensitive kindness of this much
misunderstood man.
"Beginning with to-morrow," cried he, "a supper shall be served every
evening _here_, and then you surely must forgive me!"