Page:The Professor's House - Willa Cather.pdf/164

 mer we’ll lead a scholarly life in Paris. I have my own reasons for wishing you to go along, Professor. The pleasure of your company would be quite enough, but I have also other reasons. I want to see the intellectual side of Paris, and to meet some of the savants and men of letters whom you know. What a shame Gaston Paris is not living! We could very nicely make up a little party at Laperouse for him. But there are others.”

Mrs. St. Peter developed the argument. “Yes, Louie, you and Godfrey can lunch with the scholars while Rosamond and I are shopping.”

Marsellus looked alarmed. “Not at all, Dearest! It’s to be understood that I always shop with you. I adore the shops in Paris. Besides, we shall want you with us when we lunch with celebrities. When was a savant, and a Frenchman, not eager for the company of two charming ladies at dejeuner? And you may have too much of the society of your sposi; very nice for you to have variety. You must keep a little engagement book: ''Lundi, dejeuner, M. Emile Faguet. Mercredi, diner, M. Anatole France;'' and so on.”

St. Peter chuckled. “I’m afraid you exaggerate the circumference of my social circle, Louie. I haven’t the pleasure of knowing Anatole France.”

“No matter; we can have M. Paul Bourget for Wesnesday.”

“You can help us, too, about finding things for the