Retracing his steps he went to the Cafe aux Gourmets and persuaded the _proprietaire_ to prepare half-a-dozen _crepes_ with all possible speed and send them piping-hot to his room in exchange for a promise of his influence in getting her on the free list of the Cinema. Then, in a glow of virtue, he returned to prepare his toilette for the evening performance. It was while Hippolyte was dabbing his cheeks with a damp towel that M'sieur Bonneton and Sergeant-Major Coghlan, having comfortably satisfied their respective appetites with _crepes_ and pancakes, proceeded to call upon each other, bearing gifts. The dignity of the presentations was impaired by the fact that they almost collided on the stairs. "Mrs. Coghlan wud like your opinion on these pancakes," said the Sergeant- Major, dexterously fielding one that was sliding from the plate. "And permit me to beg your acceptance of these _crepes_, a dish peculiar to France and eaten as a matter of custom on Mardi Gras," said M'sieur in his most correct English, producing his plate with a flourish worthy of a head-waiter. "'Tis with all the pleasure in life we'll be tasting thim--" commenced Coghlan. Then his eye fell on the dish and his voice dropped. M'sieur was also showing signs of embarrassment. "It seems _crepes_ is but another name for pancakes," said the Sergeant- Major heavily, after a pause. "But yes--and I am already filled to repletion." "We've aiten our fill too, Peggy an' me, an' they're spoilt whin they're cowld. It's severely disappointed Peggy will be to find thim wasted." "And Madame will be desolated to despair." They stared blankly at each other for a few minutes. Then M'sieur took a heroic resolve. "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 Lariviere," 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 _crepes_ 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."