The man's eyes sparkled.
"I am sorry," said he, "that I am to eat alone, for I hoped to have your good company; but, if this plan suits you, it suits me," and he drew up a chair.
"Stop!" said Euphemia, advancing between him and the table.

"You are not to eat that.

This is a sample supper.

If you order a supper like it, one will be served to you in two weeks." At this I burst into a roar of laughter; my wife stood pale and determined, and the man drew back, looking first at one of us, and then at the other.
"Am I to understand-- ?" he said.
"Yes," I interrupted, "you are.

There is nothing more to be said on this subject.