"The champagne lessons will come with the dessert," said Saint-Arthur, "because they always disarrange the table a bit. We spill the champagne over ourselves, so it is better to wait."
"It is all one to me," said Zizi; "I am quite willing to wait now, for I have fallen violently in love with madeira."
"And monsieur is arranging some lessons even more unique than the last, no doubt?" said Jéricourt, addressing Roncherolle.
"Yes, monsieur; in fact, I am preparing a lesson for you, which, I fancy, you hardly expect."
Meanwhile, after the first course, Saint-Arthur betrayed the liveliest impatience, and kept ringing for the waiter and asking him:
"Has no one come to see me? Isn't there any messenger outside for me?"
"No, monsieur, no one has come."
"The deuce! he is very late!"
"What! are you expecting other guests?" said Jéricourt.
"Yes,—that is to say, I am expecting something for the dinner."