A VERY SPECIAL DINNER At seven o'clock that evening I passed through the cafe on my way to the American bar.

There was already a good sprinkling of early diners there, and Louis was busy as usual.

Directly he saw me, however, he came forward with his usual suave bow.
"The table in the left-hand corner," he said, "is engaged for monsieur.

I have also taken the liberty of commanding a little dinner." "But I am not dining here, Louis!" I protested.
Louis' expression was one of honest surprise.
"Monsieur is serious ?" he inquired.

"It is only a short time ago that I was talking with Mademoiselle Delora, and she told me that she was dining with you here." "I am dining with Miss Delora," I answered, "but I certainly did not understand that it was to be here." Louis smiled.
"Perhaps," he remarked, "mademoiselle had, for the moment, the idea of going away for dinner.