required.

Unobtrusively they opened for business, for he knew that publicity
would spoil his chance of success. (Once convince a Londoner that he
is one of a select few who know a restaurant, and he will stand an hour
waiting for a table.) The first customer to enter received such
attention that he brought his family the next night. Monsieur
Beauchamp issued orders that he should be snubbed. _Parbleu_! was the
Cafe Rouge for _families_?

Gradually the justification of Monsieur Beauchamp's policy became
evident. Ladies of the Chorus brought their admirers there, and to the
former Monsieur Beauchamp paid particular courtesy. Long study of
feminine psychology had taught him that, whereas a woman may change her
lover, she will not change her favourite cafe. Therefore, though the
man may pay the bill, the woman is the one to please. Artists from
Chelsea would come as well to the Cafe Rouge, celebrating the sale of a
picture, and drinking plentifully to the confounding of all art
critics. Also, the _cabinets particuliers_ were the scene of some
exceedingly expensive and recherche dinners--and almost no one added
the bill. When any one did, Monsieur Beauchamp was mortified, and
invariably dismissed the same waiter on the spot--thereby gaining for
himself and France a reputation for sterling integrity.

'_Ma foi_! London may be gray,' thought Monsieur Beauchamp, 'but she
pays well.'

II.

One November evening Monsieur Anton Beauchamp's critical eye noted the
entrance of a dark-haired young man in well-fitting evening clothes,
and with him a young lady whose deep-green cloak and white fur round
the shoulders set off to perfection her radiant colouring and
well-poised figure. Monsieur Beauchamp did not hesitate. After all,
he was an artist, and subject to inspiration like other men of genius;
so, hurrying downstairs, he waved the waiter aside, and greeted them
with a bow which almost amounted to virtuosity.

'_Bon soir, monsieur et madame_.' He cast an anxious glance about the
cafe, which was two-thirds filled. 'This tabil will do?--_Ah, mais
non_! He grew indignant at the very thought. '_Pardon, monsieur_,
that one is very nice--_par ici_--_Non, non_! Ah--perhaps you would
like a _cabinet particulier_?'

The sirenic tone of voice and the gesture of his hands indicated the
seraphic pleasure to be obtained only in one of those secluded spots.

The American turned inquiringly to the girl.

'When I w