She laughed and pointed her fork at him.  "Not only German—chansons as well." 

 "I'm relieved to hear it."  Professor Bridwell then put one hand into his pocket, and withdrew his silver cigarette case.  "Would you mind, Miss Haviland, if I smoke?" 

 "Of course not," she replied. 

 "Some ladies find it offensive," he said, opening the case slowly, "but I find it the perfect finish to a delightful meal." 

 "I couldn't agree more."  Gretchen pushed away her plate—the gateau though small, was simply too rich—and sat back upon her chair. Cigarettes had always appealed to her, and she indulged on occasion herself—in private. Cigars she could not abide, however, for they reminded her too much of her father's odious acquaintances—men who came to play cards each week throughout her childhood.  "If I might ask," she said quietly, folding her hands the table, "how do you feel about women smoking, Professor?" 

 He paused, with the open case upon the table before him and looked steadily into her eyes.  "Miss Haviland," he answered, "we are living in an enlightened age, are we not? Women's suffrage—and frankly, it will happen soon, I'm sure.  University educations—such as your own." 

 She nodded, but let him continue. He studied the top of the cigarette case with some care. From the side, a hovering waiter produced a shallow ashtray of white china and set it near his elbow. 

 "I have no objection," he continued, "to a woman pursuing whatever takes her fancy, provided she's reached majority. The same as any man."  He fingered the cigarette case, closing and then opening it again.  "A strong and independent mind is an asset in anyone, male or female."  He looked up hesitantly.  "You seem to have such a mind. You've read Mr. Darwin, I believe—and I suspect other progressive thinkers as well." 

 Gretchen smiled at him, but tilted her head with some puzzlement. 

 "You once called me more evolved," he replied answering her unspoken question.  "That's hardly the sort of phrase an unread woman would use. I presumed you have read Mr. Darwin, among others." He curled his lips upon seeing her amusement and continued speaking.  "It is the mind, I believe—and the soul, if one is religiously inclined—that really distinguishes man from the lesser animals. Female no less than male—we all possess that most human of traits." 

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