'
'I don't want to hear it,' retorted the other, harshly, having an
intuitive idea what the story would be about.
'Possibly not,' replied M. Vandeloup, smoothly; 'nevertheless it is
my wish that you should hear it.'
Meddlechip looked as if he were inclined to resent this plain
speaking, but after a pause evidently thought better of it, and went
on tranquilly eating his supper.
When they had finished Gaston rang the bell, and when the billow
rolled in, ordered a fresh bottle of wine and some choice cigars of
a brand well known at Leslie's. Gurchy's head disappeared in foam
again, and did not emerge therefrom till he was out of the door.
Try one of these,' said M. Vandeloup, affably, to Meddlechip, when
the billow had rolled in with the cigars and wine, 'it's an
excellent brand.'
'I don't care about smoking,' answered Meddlechip.
'To please me,' urged M. Vandeloup, persuasively; whereupon
Meddlechip took one, and having lighted it puffed away evidently
under protest, while the billow opened the new bottle of wine,
freshened up the glasses, and then rolled majestically out of the
door, like a tidal wave.
'Now then for the story,' said M. Vandeloup, leaning back
luxuriously on the sofa, and blowing a cloud of smoke.
'I don't want to hear it,' retorted the other, quickly; 'name your
terms and let us end the matter.'
'Pardon me,' said M.
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