doubt, therefore, that the Galeries Kahn were
Providing their clients with just what they wanted,
itting at his roll-top American desk their founder
wrote long, self-satisfied letters, enclosing elaborate
sheets of accounts to certain business friends living in
Paris. And since nothing succeeds in this world like
success, he was now regarded in Saint Loup with
admiration, nay more, with respect; his staunchest
adherents being Mere Melandie and Madame
Roustan.
He said— and surely with some justification:
'Did I not tell you that Beauvais would return to the
town that has undoubtedly made his fortune? Did I
not tell you that others would follow, and that through
them Saint Loup was bound to get known? They
came, ah, precisely, but what did they find? One
hotel, one miserable little hotel that does not even
possess a bathroom. Moreover they were crowded
together like sardines, there was not sufficient accom-
modation. With Monsieur Grimaud I have nothing in
common; he is stupid and he runs his hotel very badly.
He says: "What has once been is still good enough,"
and I answer him: "Let the past bury the past, our
affair is solely concerned with the future." Then he
shrugs his shoulders and looks imbecile; I am weary
of that fat old carp, Monsieur Grimaud. However,
there remains you, dear Mere Melanie, and you are
an intelligent and enterprising woman, so to you I
say: what about all those fine rooms? No less than
two floors of them over your cafe! To you I say put
in a bathroom at once, and a couple of comfortable
water-closets; there must also, of course, be electric
light; et voila, you become the Hotel de la Tarasque!
"Hotel et Cafe de la Tarasque" you become, and in
consequence greatly extend your connection.'
Mere Melanie listened delighted yet fearful. But
would it not cost a vast sum of money? What did her
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