M. le Patron greeted Wynne with amiable courtesy, and invited him to be seated, asking at the same time what manner of drink would be agreeable to his taste.
“I want nothing,” said Wynne, “but the privilege of a few moments’ conversation.”
“That will be delightful; then we will sit together.”
“I do not know if you remember an evening a short while ago when I was here.”
“It is, indeed, one of my pleasantest recollections.”
“On that occasion you were good enough to observe that my conversation resulted in a marked increase in your sales of liquor.”
“And indeed, m’sieur, it was no less than the truth. The nimbleness of m’sieur’s wit, the charm of his address, and the adroitness of his argument are only comparable to those of that most admirable Bohemian, Monsieur Robinson, who, I have no doubt, is well known in England.”
“Probably,” said Wynne, “although I have never heard of him. But to return. I have come here today to make you a business proposition.”
“It is very kind.”
“Not at all. I am obliged to do something of the sort owing to financial difficulties which have suddenly arisen.”