"A good character," cried Schmidt, coming behind them. "My thanks."
"By George! It was lucky we did not abuse you," said Bingham.
"Oh, Madeira is a gentle critic, and a good dinner does fatten amiability. Come, René, we shall get on even terms of praise with them as we walk home."
The party broke up, joyous at having dined well.
As they went homeward, Schmidt said: "Our host, René, is not a mere gourmet. He is a philosophic student of diet, living in general simply, and, I may add, a gentleman of courage and good sense, as he showed in France."
"It seems difficult, sir, to judge men. He seemed to me foolish."
"Yes; and one is apt to think not well of a man who talks much of what he eats. He recognized me, but at once accepted my obvious desire not to be known. He will be sure to keep my secret."
When having reached home, and it was not yet twilight—they sat down with their pipes, René laid before his friend this matter of the secretaryship.
Schmidt said: "My work is small just now, and the hours of the State Department would release you at three. You would be at the center of affairs, and learn much, and would find the Secretary pleasant. But, remember, the work may bring you into relations with Carteaux."