She found "Saph" stretched out à la Mme. Récamier on the dull green Empire sofa.
"Will you never get out of the habit of staying to sweep up after the ball?" she asked languidly.
"I haven't been sweeping up," Mabel replied; "I've been over at the Lafayette with Walter. Now don't begin to sulk," she went on; "he's been telling me great news. The French Government has asked him to go on one of their expeditions to Central Asia. He's going."
"Goody," Eleanor cried, jumping up. "I'm glad!"
"I'm not," Mabel said; "I'll miss him no end."
"Mabel Train, I believe you're in love with that man."
"No, I'm not. And I'm half sorry I'm not. I'm tired, done up. Good night."
"Don't you want some fudge?—it turned out fine."
"No. Goodnight."