And following him the Englishman with the heavy glasses, whom _l'affaire
Poynton_ had also brought before to his cafe, and with whom Mademoiselle
from Austria had talked long and earnestly.
And lastly Monsieur Spencer, the English journalist, also with a black
cross after his name, but seemingly altogether unconscious of it.
Monsieur Albert was not altogether at his best. Such a mixture of sheep
and goats confused him. It was the Vicomte who, together with the head
waiter, arranged a redistribution of tables so that the whole party
could sit together. It was the Vicomte who constituted himself host. He
summoned Monsieur Albert to him.
"Albert," he said, with a little wave of the hand, "these ladies and
gentlemen are my friends. To quote the words of my charming young
companion here, Monsieur Guy Poynton, whom you may possibly
remember"--Monsieur Albert bowed--"we are on the bust! I do not know the
precise significance of the phrase any more than I suppose you do, but
it means amongst other things a desire for the best you have to eat and
to drink. Bring Pomeroy '92, Albert, and send word to your chef that we
desire to eat without being hungry!"
Monsieur Albert hurried away, glad of the opportunity to escape.
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