'Do they? said Mr Prendergast. 'I didn't know that. What an extraordinary thing! But then I had an aunt whose cat used to put its paw up to its mouth when it yawned. It's wonderful what animals can be taught. There is a sea‑lion at the circus, I saw in the paper, who juggles with an umbrella and two oranges.
'I know what I'll do, said Grimes. 'I'll get a motor bicycle.
This seemed to cheer him up a little. He took another glass of wine and smiled wanly. 'I'm afraid I've not been following all you chaps have said. I was thinking. What were we talking about?
'Prendy was telling me about a sea‑lion who juggled with an umbrella and two oranges.
'Why, that's nothing. I can juggle with a whacking great bottle and a lump of ice and two knives. Look!
'Grimes, don't! Everyone is looking at you.
The head‑waiter came over to remonstrate. 'Please remember where you are, sir, he said.
'I know where I am well enough, said Grimes. 'I'm in the hotel my pal Sir Solomon Philbrick is talking of buying, and I tell you this, old boy: if he does, the first person to lose his job will be you. See?
Nevertheless he stopped juggling, and Mr Prendergast ate two pêches Melba undisturbed.
'The black cloud has passed, said Grimes. 'Grimes is now going to enjoy his evening.