Explore "The Bird of Paradise" by E. Phillips Oppenheim on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Two of the greatest men in France opened their morning papers three days later at the same moment. Edouard Mermillon, in a sheltered corner of the _Aigle Noir_ sat before his _petit déjeuner_ of fragrant coffee, fresh rolls with Normandy butter, and wonderful peaches--General Perissol, seated in a corner of his terrace before a far more Spartan meal. Mermillon read one column, swung round in his place, and sent for his secretary. Afterwards he poured out his coffee and prepared a peach in leisurely fashion.
"Jules," he directed, "telephone at once to the air depot at Cannes. Ask at what time the morning 'plane for Paris goes, and whether it is necessary to stop at Lyons. If so, demand further if a private 'plane can be commandeered for Government service. One moment, Baron," he cried to his friend, who, in bathing attire, had just stepped up the gangway.