diaphragm — the contraction that reacts to surprise or alarm. But he said, in French, “Pardon?”

So, “What’s your name?” said Mary, in French this time.

The gigolo with the beautiful manners hesitated longer than really beautiful manners should permit. But finally, “Je m’appelle G�d�on Gor�.” He pronounced it in his most nasal, perfect Paris French. It didn’t sound even remotely like Gideon Gory.

“My name’s Hubbell,” said Mary, in her pretty fair French. “Mary Hubbell. I come from a little town called Winnebago.”

The Gor� eyebrow expressed polite disinterestedness.

“That’s in Wisconsin,” continued Mary,