the French velvet curtains in the golden suite on the second floor.'

"'Keep on guessing, John; you'll wear him out,' Peaches whispered.

"'Possibly a little cold lamb with a suggestion of potato salad on
the side might satisfy us,' I said; 'make me an estimate.'

"'Four dollars and eighteen cents,' replied Patsey Boulanger;
'eighteen cents for the lamb and salad and the four dollars for the
Looey the Fifteenth graperies in the drawing-room.'

"'Ask him if there's a bargain counter anywhere in the
dining-room,' whispered Peaches.

"'My dear,' I said to Clara J., 'we have already displaced about
sixty dollars' worth of space in this dyspepsia emporium, and we
must, therefore, behave like gentlemen and order something, no
matter what the cost. What are the savings of a life-time compared
with our honor!'

"The waiter bowed so low that his shoulder blades cracked like a
whip.

"'Bring us,' I said, 'a plain omelet and one dish of prunes.'

[Illustration: "Bring us a plain omelet and one dish of prunes."]

"I waited till Peter Girofla translated this into French and then I
added, 'And on the side, please, two glasses of water and three
toothpicks. Have the prunes fricasseed, wash the water on both