"I have been doing a great deal, sir: dining and dancing and enjoying myself generally."
"I am glad to know that. Been singing?"
"Not much, sir. We dined at Twickenham Court, where I played a disastrous game of croquet," I answered.
"Do they play croquet at Twickenham Court?"
"Indeed they do, sir. The Countess de Paris plays a very good game."
"What day did you dine there?"
"On the 17th, your Highness," I replied.
"Are you sure it was the 17th you dined there?"
"Yes, I am quite sure. I know it, because it was the day before my birthday."
"Was it a large dinner?"