[And he drinks a glass of champagne which has been left untouched by a guest.
Jordan. He ain't nobody; he hasn't any money; he was just asked to fill up. He's one of these yere singing chaps what's asked to pass the time after dinner with a song or two gratis. This dinner'll last him for food for a week!
Their manners suddenly change as the men reënter and take seats about the two ends of the table. Sterling, Mason, and Doctor down Left form one group. The other men are in a group between the window and the other end. On entering Sterling speaks.
Sterling. Jordan, for heaven's sake, give us something to see by! You can't tell which end of your cigar to light in this confounded woman's candle-light. If I had my way, I'd have candelabras made of Welsbachs!
Trotter. Bright idea, Sterling.
[Sterling, laughing, joins his group, who laugh gently with him. Jordan turns on the electric light. The servants pass the coffee, liqueurs, and the cigars and cigarettes. Meanwhile the following dialogue takes place, the men beginning to talk at once on their entrance.
Sterling. Mr. Mason, I'd like to ask your honest opinion on something if you'll give it me.
Mason. Certainly.
Sterling. This Hudson Electric Company.
Dr. Steinhart. Oh! Dropped fearfully to-day.