Carrie looked over the large bill of fare which the waiter handed her without really considering it. She was very hungry, and the things she saw there awakened her desires, but the high prices held her attention. “Half broiled spring chicken—seventy-five. Sirloin steak with mushrooms—one twenty-five.” She had dimly heard of these things, but it seemed strange to be called to order from the list. “I’ll fix this,” exclaimed Drouet. “Sst! waiter.” That officer of the board, a full-chested, round-faced negro, approached, and inclined his ear. “Sirloin with mushrooms,” said Drouet. “Stuffed tomatoes.” “Yassah,” assented the negro, nodding his head. “Hashed brown potatoes.” “Yassah.” “Asparagus.” “Yassah.” “And a pot of coffee.” Drouet turned to Carrie. “I haven’t had a thing since breakfast. Just got in from Rock Island. I was going off to dine when I saw you.” Carrie smiled and smiled. “What have you been doing?” he went on. “Tell me all about yourself. How is your sister?” “She’s well,” returned Carrie, answering the last query. He looked at her hard. “Say,” he said, “you haven’t been sick, have you?” Carrie nodded. “Well, now, that’s a blooming shame, isn’t it? You don’t look very well. I thought you looked a little pale. What have you been doing?” “Working,” said Carrie. “You don’t say so! At what?” She told him. “Rhodes, Morgenthau and Scott—why, I know that house over here on Fifth Avenue, isn’t it? They’re a close-fisted concern. What made you go there?” “I couldn’t get anything else,” said Carrie frankly. “Well, that’s an outrage,” said Drouet. “You oughtn’t to be working for those people. Have the factory right back of the store, don’t they?” “Yes,” said Carrie. “That isn’t a good house,” said Drouet. “You don’t want to work at anything like that, anyhow.” He chatted on at a great rate, asking questions, explaining things about himself, telling her what a good restaurant it was, until the waiter returned with an immense tray, bearing the hot savoury dishes which had been ordered. Drouet fairly shone in the matter of serving. He appeared to great advantage behind the white napery and silver platters of the table and displaying his arms with a knife and fork. As he cut the meat his rings almost spoke. His new suit creaked as he stretched to reach the plates, break the bread, and pour the coffee. He helped Carrie to a rousing plateful and contributed the warmth of his spirit to her body until she was a new girl. He was a splendid fellow in the true popular understanding of the term, and captivated Carrie completely.