“Gentlemen, for Heaven’s sake forgive us—­an odd little misunderstanding.  One of our comrades exchanged his hat by accident...  Oh, it is yours!  A thousand pardons.  Doorkeeper!  Why don’t you keep an eye on things, my good fellow, eh?  Just give me that cap, there.  Once more, I ask you to forgive me, gentlemen.”

With a pleasant bow and the same well-bred smile he made his way quickly into the street.