make an offer to Mrs. Thompson, and all that world, therefore, was
full of speculation. But all the world could make nothing of it.
M. Lacordaire did look like a rejected man, but Mrs. Thompson did
not look like the woman who had rejected him. That the offer had
been made--in that everybody agreed, from the senior habitue of the
house who always sat at the head of the table, down to the junior
assistant garcon. But as to reading the riddle, there was no accord
among them.

When the dessert was done, Mrs. Thompson, as usual, withdrew, and M.
Lacordaire, as usual, bowed as he stood behind his own chair. He
did not, however, attempt to follow her.

But when she reached the door she called him. He was at her side in
a moment, and then she whispered in his ear -

"And I, also--I will be of the same business."

When M. Lacordaire regained the table the senior habitue, the junior
garcon, and all the intermediate ranks of men at the Hotel des
Ambassadeurs knew that they might congratulate him.

Mrs. Thompson had made a great struggle; but, speaking for myself, I
am inclined to think that she arrived at last at a wise decision.