[_Looking round the room sentimentally._] Twenty years ago! Confound 'em, they've painted it.
My people have eight shelves in the Catacombs at Kensal Green.
Nonsense, man, nonsense. You're a little low. Waiter, take our coats.
Don't check me, Lukyn. My shelf is four from the bottom.
You'll forget the number of your shelf before you're half way through your oysters.
[_Shaking his head._] An oyster merely reminds me of my own particular shell.
Don't, Lukyn, don't. [_In an undertone to LUKYN._] It's very good of you, but, by Jove, my heart is broken. [_To ISIDORE._] Mind my flower, waiter, confound you.
Yes, on the back of my note to Mr. Blond. Serve it at once.
So, you've been badly treated by a woman, eh, Vale?
Shockingly. Between man and man, a Miss Verrinder--Charlotte. [_Turning away._] Excuse me, Lukyn.
[_Produces a folded silk handkerchief, shakes it out, and gently blows his nose._
[_Lighting a cigarette._] Certainly--certainly--does you great credit. Pretty woman?
Oh, lovely! A most magnificent set of teeth. All real, as far as I can ascertain.
[_Lighting his cigarette._] Just perfection. She rides eight-stone fifteen, and I have lost her, Lukyn. Beautiful tobacco.
She gave a man a pair of worked slippers three days after our engagement.
Fact. You remember Bristow--Gordon Bristow?
Villain! Will you begin with a light wine, or go right on to the champagne?
By Jove, it's broken my heart, old fellow. I'll go right on to the champagne, please. Lukyn, I shall make you my executor.
Pooh! You'll outlive me! Why don't they bring the supper? My heart has been broken like yours. It was broken first in Ireland in '55. It was broken again in London in '61, but in 1870 it was smashed in Calcutta, by a married lady that time.
Yes, my late wife. Talk about broken hearts, my boy, when you've won your lady, not when you've lost her. [_Enter ISIDORE with a tray of supper things._] The supper. [_To VALE._] Hungry?
Ah, Blond, how are you? Not a day older. What have you got there?
[_Quietly to LUKYN in an undertone._] Two ladies, Colonel, downstairs in a cab, must see you for a few minutes alone.
Good gracious! Excuse me, Vale. [_Takes the envelope from BLOND, and opens it: reading the enclosed card._] Mrs. Posket--Mrs. Posket! "Mrs. Posket entreats Colonel Lukyn to see her for five minutes upon a matter of urgent necessity, and free from observation." By George! Posket must be ill in bed--I thought he looked seedy last night. [_To BLOND._] Of course--of course. Say I'll come down.