Guest's expression changed. He beamed on the other and adopted a knowing air.
"Aha!" he said, "I begin to understand. It is a matter of business this.
So you were thinking of taking this restaurant, eh?"
Kauffman nodded.
"For me it would be a different affair altogether," he said hastily. "I have explained that."
Guest still smiled.
"I think, Mr. Kauffman," he said, "that I have made a good bargain. I am very much obliged to you, but I think that I shall stick to it!"
Mr. Kauffman was silent for several moments. The expression upon his face was not amiable.
"I understand," he said at last. "You do not believe me. Yet every word that I have spoken to you is truth. If a stranger becomes proprietor of this restaurant, its business will be ruined."
"No! no!" Guest protested. "They will come once to see, and they will remain. The chef, the waiters, I keep them all. There will be no alterations. The social club of which you spoke—they can have their room! I am not inquisitive. I shall never interfere."
"Mr. Mayer," Kauffman said, "I will give you fifty pounds for your bargain!"