exercise in geometry. Fatalistically he began a new design of his own.
He was calm now, and delighted with the adventure. Only, how was one going to get out?
An hour later, as he tucked five or six drawings into his portfolio,—drawings which he would have been afraid to show, but of which he was privately quite proud,—the process of getting out took care of itself. One just walked out. And nobody paid any attention. This emboldened him, and he addressed the pale youth.
"Pardon, Monsieur, could you tell me which of these gentlemen is M. Ripert?"
"Je regrette, Monsieur—je ne le connais pas."
"You know him by name, though?"
The young man still regretted.
"But he's supposed to be very well known!"
"Oh ça!" The shrug that accompanied the words implied utter willingness to concede the fame of the unknown gentleman in question, plus utter lack of interest in fame. So are millions of others, the shrug seemed to say. To become well known is a misfortune that assails many.
"Doubtless Monsieur is also well known," he added, "In spite of which I have not, until this fortunate occasion, had the honor—" There was no mockery in the look of tolerant fatigue which accompanied the remark, merely Frenchness, and Grover smiled apologetically.
