"We must not hurt the feelings of those excellent women," he said firmly.
"There is but one course open to us."

Coghlan nodded assent. Solemnly and without enthusiasm they sat on the
stairs and consumed the pancakes to the last crumb. Then, leaden-eyed and
breathing hard, they took their empty plates and entered their respective
flats.

A few minutes later they again encountered on the stairs. Once more they
were laden with comestibles.

"For Monsieur Larivière," explained M'sieur. "Madame insisted. She has a
heart of gold, that woman."

"Peggy's sending these up too," said the Sergeant-Major. "I towld her thim
pancakes was the greatest surprise you iver tasted."

M'sieur nodded. In response to Hippolyte's invitation they entered the
room, and M'sieur took command of the conversation. The Sergeant-Major
stood stiffly to attention, feeling that the occasion demanded it.

"Two little gifts," said M'sieur, "of epicurean distinction. The _crêpes_
of Madame Bonneton are an achievement, but the pancakes of Madame Coghlan
are irresistible."

"I thank you from the recesses of my heart," said Hippolyte with emotion;
"but--you understand me--as the slave of Art I am compelled to forgo such
pleasures."