A dreary half hour passed in this occupation; at last the throng grew thin. I broke away and sauntered off to a buffet for a sandwich and a glass of champagne. There I saw Wetter and Varvilliers standing together and refreshing their jaded bodies. I joined them at once, full of the news about Krak. It fell rather flat, I regret to say; Krak had not significance for them, and Wetter was full of wild brilliant talk. Varvilliers' manner, on the other hand, although displaying now no awkwardness or restraint, showed unusual gentleness and gravity with an added friendliness very welcome to me. I stood between my friends, sipping my wine and detaining them, although the room was nearly empty. I felt a reluctance to part and an invincible repugnance to my bed.
"Come to my quarters," I said, "and we'll have cigars."
Varvilliers bowed ready assent. Wetter's face twisted into a smile.
"I must plead excuse to the command," he said.
"Then you're a rascal, Wetter; I want you, man, and you ought not to be expected anywhere this time of night."
"Not at home, sire?"
"Home least of all," said Varvilliers, smiling.
"But I have guests at home," cried Wetter. "I've left them too long. But Her Royal Highness didn't invite them; besides it was necessary to practise the song."
"What? Are they with you?"
"Should I send them to a hotel, sire? My friends the Struboffs! No, no!"