me. They, too, ate, and that with no delicate appetite, and having demolished a large portion of the solids, they proposed a "petit verre." I declined—not so Mesdames Pelet and Reuter; each mixed herself what I thought rather a stiff tumbler of punch, and placing it on a stand near the stove, they drew up their chairs to that convenience, and invited me to do the same; I obeyed, and being seated fairly between them, I was thus addressed first by Madame Pelet, then by Madame Reuter.
"We will now speak of business," said Madame Pelet, and she went on to make an elaborate speech, which, being interpreted, was to the effect that she had asked for the pleasure of my company that evening in order to give her friend Madame Reuter an opportunity of broaching an important proposal which might turn out greatly to my advantage.
"Pourvu que vous soyez sage," said Madame Reuter, "et à vrai dire, vous en avez bien l'air.
