"All that is irrelevant. Come, if you please."
So Oliver followed his new acquaintance to Delmonico's restaurant. They selected a small table, and a waiter approached to receive orders.
"I hope you are hungry," said the old gentleman. "Pray do justice to my invitation."
Oliver smiled.
"I can easily do that, sir," he said. "I made but a light breakfast."
"So much the better. What kind of soup will you have?"
Oliver selected turtle soup, which was speedily brought.
It is unnecessary to enter into an elaborate description of the dinner. It is enough that Oliver redeemed his promise, and ate heartily; his new acquaintance regarding him with approval.
"Will you have some wine?" he asked.
"No, sir," replied Oliver.