ABSTRACT
Rumours had reached her amiable citizens of an American visitor whose wealth exceeded that of Solomon and whose generosity was at once magnificent and indiscriminate. A correspondent of the Figaro had announced that the new-comer, in addition to the enormous current account he had opened at the Credit Lyonnais, had brought with him, secured in several stout Gladstone bags, the sum of £500,000. Curiosity gave way to excitement, and excitement to an outburst of acclamation. So carried away was the meagre porter who helped the American down from his perch, that he scarcely noticed the hundred franc note that the millionaire pressed in his hand in return for his service. And thus, through dense volumes of smoke and cheering, for Rouen station is prettily situated between two noisome tunnels, the train rolled off on its thoughtful passage to Paris.
