“When was the last occasion, Bob?”
“Two days ago, sir, being the night of the Marquise de Sauvray’s reception.”
“Was I—‘genteelly’ so, that night, Bob?”
“Maybe a leetle—elevated, sir.”
“Yes,” nodded Sir John, “I’ve a dim memory of breaking my cane over the link-boy’s head!”
“Link-boy was insolent, sir. Link-boy deserved it.”
“I rejoice to know it, Robert. Was there aught else remarkable in my home-coming on this occasion?”
“Nothing at all, sir! Though to be sure—you sang——”
“Sang, did I?” sighed Sir John. “Anything else, Bob?”
“No, sir! Except for gentleman’s perook stuffed into your honour’s right-hand coat-pocket.”