'That is excellent,' he said; 'International Episode is excellent. But, you see,' he went on, growing suddenly grave, 'it really is something of an international affair after all. Here we have an eminent American scholar——'
'Who is naturally anxious to make the acquaintance of an eminent English scholar,' the Dictator suggested.
Mr. Sarrasin's large fair face flushed pink with pleasure.
'You are too good, Mr. Ericson, too good. But I feel that I must do something for our distinguished friend, especially as he has done me the honour to single me out for so gratifying a mark of his approval. I think that I shall ask him to dinner.' And Mr. Sarrasin looked thoughtfully at his audience to solicit their opinion.
'A very good idea,' said the Dictator. 'Nothing cements literary or political friendship like judicious dining. Dining has a folk-lore of its own.'
'But don't you think,' suggested Miss Ericson, 'that as this gentleman, Professor——'
'Flick,' prompted Mr. Sarrasin.
'Thank you; Professor Flick. That, as Professor Flick is a stranger, and a distinguished stranger, it is your duty, my dear Mr. Sarrasin, to call upon him at his hotel?'
Mr. Sarrasin bowed again. 'Thank you, Miss Ericson, thank you. You always think of the right thing. Of course it is obviously my duty to pay my respects to Professor Flick at his hotel, which happens also to be our dear friend's hotel. And the sooner the better, I suppose.'
'The sooner the visit the stronger the compliment, of course,' said Miss Ericson.