ould a vicious cur.

To Mlle. Thompson, although men fall at her feet, the answer to every
problem is Woman.

She formed another powerful Committee, roused the enthusiasm of the
Touring Club de France, rented a dilapidated villa in Passy, and after
enlisting the practical sympathies of furnishers, decorators,
"magazins," and persons generally whose business it is to make a house
comfortable and beautiful, she advertised not only in the Paris but in
all the provincial newspapers for young women of good family whose
marriage prospects had been ruined by the war and who would wish to
fit themselves scientifically for the business of hotel keeping. Each
should be educated in every department from directrice to scullion.

The answers were so numerous that she was forced to deny many whose
lovers had been killed or whose parents no longer could hope to
provide them with the indispensable dot. The repairs and installations
of the villa having been rushed, it was in running order and its
dormitories were filled by some thirty young women in an incredibly
short time. Mlle. Jacquier, who had presided over a somewhat similar
school in Switzerland, was installed as directrice.

Each girl, in addition to irreproachable recommendations and the
written consent of her parents, must pay seventy francs a month, bring
a specified amount of underclothing, etc.; and, whatever her age or
education, must, come prepared to submit to the discipline of the
school. In return they were to be taught not only how to fill all
positions in a hotel, but the scientific principles of domestic
economy, properties of food combined with the proportions necessary to
health, bookkeeping, English, correspondence, geography,
arithmetic--"calcul rapide"--gymnastics, deportment, hygiene.

Moreover, when at the end of the three months' course they had taken
their diplomas, places would be found for them. If they failed to take
their diplomas and could not afford another course, still would
places, but of an inferior order, be provided. After the first
students arrived it became known that an ex-pupil without place and
without money could always find a temporary refuge there. Even if she
had "gone wrong" she might come and ask for advice and help.

IV

When I arrived in Paris I had two letters to Mlle. Thompson and after
I had been there about ten days I went with Mr. Jaccaci to call on her
at the offices of _La Vie Feminine_, and found them both sumptu