Paris City Hall, after office hours, Briand and Clemenceau did not rush home; they had a late-night dinner together in the Prime Minister's office.
Briand called it "overtime," and the dinner was grilled steak and escargot specially ordered from Chatey Restaurant by the secretary.
(The picture above is Chatey Restaurant, founded in 1903, and still in operation today.)
"The steak here is quite good," Briand said as he elegantly cut a piece and put it in his mouth, "Although we should ideally eat at the restaurant, but..."
"Yes," Clemenceau nodded in agreement as he chewed, "This is the best I've ever had!"
"If there's a chance, we should invite Shire to try it," Briand said expressionlessly.
Then the two men chuckled knowingly.
If Shire lost the battle, his expression at the dinner table would surely be enjoyable.
After a while, Briand asked, "Any news from Shire?"
Clemenceau shook his head and mumbled, "As usual, no news. Gallieni seems reluctant to share anything."
