"We've aiten our fill too, Peggy an' me, an' they're spoilt whin they're cowld. It's severely disappointed Peggy will be to find thim wasted."
"And Madame will be desolated to despair."
They stared blankly at each other for a few minutes. Then M'sieur took a heroic resolve.
"We must not hurt the feelings of those excellent women," he said firmly. "There is but one course open to us."
Coghlan nodded assent. Solemnly and without enthusiasm they sat on the stairs and consumed the pancakes to the last crumb. Then, leaden-eyed and breathing hard, they took their empty plates and entered their respective flats.
A few minutes later they again encountered on the stairs. Once more they were laden with comestibles.
"For Monsieur Larivière," explained M'sieur. "Madame insisted. She has a heart of gold, that woman."
"Peggy's sending these up too," said the Sergeant-Major. "I towld her thim pancakes was the greatest surprise you iver tasted."
M'sieur nodded. In response to Hippolyte's invitation they entered the room, and M'sieur took command of the conversation. The Sergeant-Major stood stiffly to attention, feeling that the occasion demanded it.
"Two little gifts," said M'sieur, "of epicurean distinction. The crêpes of Madame Bonneton are an achievement, but the pancakes of Madame Coghlan are irresistible."