«Clear,» said the Honourable Freddy.
«Consomme Polonais,» agreed the waiter. «Very nice, sir.»
Conversation languished until the Honourable Freddy found a bone in the filleted sole, and sent for the head waiter to explain its presence. When this matter had been adjusted Lord Peter found energy to say:
«Sorry to hear about your gov'nor, old man.»
«Yes, poor old buffer,» said the Honourable Freddy; «they say he can't last long now. What? Oh! the Montrachet 08. There's nothing fit to drink in this place,» he added gloomily.
After this deliberate insult to a noble vintage there was a further pause, till Lord Peter said: «'How's 'Change?»
«Rotten,» said the Honourable Freddy.
He helped himself gloomily to salmis of game.
«Can I do anything?» asked Lord Peter.
«Oh, no, thanks — very decent of you, but it'll pan out all right in time.»