Meanwhile the commercial travellers were talking of the emancipation of women, of their rights, and of the new position in society they longed for.
Some approved, others were annoyed; the little fat man jested without ceasing, and ended the breakfast, as well as the discussion, by the following entertaining anecdote:
"Lately," said he, "there was a great meeting in England, where this question was discussed. One of the orators had been setting forth numerous arguments in favour of the women's case, and wound up with this observation:
"To conclude, gentlemen, I may observe that the difference between man and woman is after all, very small."
A powerful voice, from an enthusiastic and thoroughly convinced listener, arose from the audience, crying: "Hurrah for the small difference!"
[1] Buoy of the oily scuttle-fish!
[2] In the country of hunchbacks
One must be so,
Or at least appear so.
SAINT-TROPEZ, April 13th.