"I will send her back from Constance.

Please do ring the bell." The Major was obedient, and he listened in dumb astonishment, as Madame Louison ordered a very dainty supper for two, with a bottle of Burgundy and a well-iced flask of Veuve Cliquot.

When the door had closed upon the gaping servant, the lady merrily laughed: "Pray take up your sinews of war, Major.

I shall consider you as retained in my service, if I am obeyed." Alan Hawke turned and faced the puzzling "employer" with a half defiant question: "And when shall I know the real nature of my duties ?" as he carefully folded up the welcome bundle of notes, without even looking at them.
"Major, you are not an homme d'affaires.

Do me the favor to count your money," laughed the mocking convalescent.