At that moment Oku re-entered the room, bearing in his hand a menu, which he handed to his master. Stafford glanced over it and nodded approvingly, then, taking out a pencil, he made one correction. This done, he handed it back.
"I think that will do nicely. Have dinner served when ready."
"Yes—sir—excuse, please."
The butler was about to leave the room, when his master called him back.
"Oku—just a moment." Turning apologetically to the others, he said:
"Will you excuse me?" In an undertone to the butler, he said: "I shan't dress to-night—"
Oku salaamed.
"Anything else, sir?"
"No—you can go."
"Then excuse—please. Excuse—"