'Why, the things they get given at the counter. I thought for a long time it was money.
'Is that what's been worrying you? Bless your heart, I thought it was the young lady in the office you were after.
'Oh, Grimes! said Mr Prendergast, and he blushed warmly and gave a little giggle.
Paul led his guests into the dining‑room.
'I haven't taught French for nothing all these years, said Grimes, studying the menu. 'I'll start with some jolly old huîtres.
Mr Prendergast ate a grape‑fruit with some difficulty. 'What a big orange! he said when he had finished it. 'They do things on a large scale here.
The soup came in little aluminium bowls. 'What price the ancestral silver? said Grimes. The Manchester merchants on the spree who sat all round them began to look a little askance at Paul's table.
'Someone's doing himself well on bubbly, said Grimes as a waiter advanced staggering under the weight of an ice‑pail from which emerged a Jeroboam of champagne. 'Good egg! It's coming to us.
'With Sir Solomon Philbrick's compliments to Captain Grimes and congratulations on his approaching marriage, sir.
Grimes took the waiter by the sleeve. 'See here, old boy, this Sir Solomon Philbrick ‑ know him well?