In the large, open fireplaces of the Sheridan Club dining-room, logs of pine and cedar wood gave out a regular and well-diffused warmth. Outside, the snow was still falling, and beyond the long windows, covered with their crimson curtains, the yellow air was full of soft and silent movement.
The extreme comfort of the lofty, panelled dining-room was accentuated a hundred-fold, to those entering it, by the chilly experience of the streets.
The electric lights burnt steadily in their silk shades, the gleams falling upon the elaborate table furniture in a thousand points of dancing light.
At one of the tables, laid for two people, Sir Robert Llwellyn was sitting. He was in evening dress, and his massive face was closely scrutinising a printed list propped up against a wine-glass before him. His expression was interested and intent. By his side was a sheet of the club note-paper, and from time to time he jotted down something upon it with a slender gold pencil.
The great archæologist was ordering dinner for himself and a guest with much thought and care.
in his neat writing, the letters distinct from one another--almost like an inscription in Uncial Greek character, one might have fancied.
_Turbot à l'Amiral_ promised well; the plump, powerful fingers wrote it down.
_Poulardes du Mans rôties_ with _petits pois à la Française_ with a _salade Niçoise_ to follow; that would be excellent! Then just a little _suprème de pêches, à la Montreuil_, which is quite the best kind of _suprème_, then some _Parmesan_ before the coffee.
"Quite a simple dinner, Painter," he said to the steward of the room,--the famous "small dining-room" with its alcoves and discreet corners,--"simple but good. Of course you will tell Maurice that it is for _me_. I want him to do quite his best. If you will send this list off to the kitchens with a message, we will go into the wines together."
"Remember that we shall want the large liqueur glasses," he said, "with the Tuileries brandy. In fact, I think I'll take a little now, as an _apéritif_."
The man bowed confidentially and went away. He returned with a long bottle of curious shape with an imperial crown blown in the glass. It was some of the famous brandy which had been lately found bricked up in a cellar close to the _Place Carrousel_, and was worth its weight in gold.