host

“He exists as certainly as that you may see his small yacht with all her sails spread; and if you will use your glass, you will, in all probability, recognize your host in the midst of his crew.”

“Yes, sir,” answered the host, even more surprised at the question than he had been by the silence which had preceded it; “I am Gaspard Caderousse, at your service.”

The Lion inquired why he went off so abruptly without a word of salutation to his host, who had not given him any cause for offense.

He therefore dined very silently, in spite of the officious attention of his host, who presented himself two or three times to inquire if he wanted anything.