The chef, the waiters, I keep them all. There will be no
alterations. The social club of which you spoke--they can have their
room! I am not inquisitive. I shall never interfere."
"Mr. Mayer," Kauffman said, "I will give you fifty pounds for your
bargain!"
Guest shook his head.
"I shall not sell" he answered. "I want my nephew to learn the business,
and I want to go home myself soon. I have no time to look out for
another."
"One hundred!"
"I shall not sell," Guest repeated obstinately. "I am sorry if you are
disappointed."
Mr. Kauffman rose slowly to his feet.
"You will be sorry before very long that you refused my offer," he
remarked.
Guest shook his head.
"No!" he said, "I think not. The people will come where they can eat well
and eat cheaply. They shall do both here."
Kauffman remained for a few more minutes at our table, but he did not
return to the subject. After he had left us with a somewhat stiff bow, he
went and talked earnestly with Karl, the little head-waiter. Then he
slowly returned.
"Mr. Mayer," he said, "I'm going to make you a very rash offer.
Pages:
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286