s, the
rustle of satin and lace, the hurrying steps of waiters, the bubbling
of laughter, of life, and of wine--all these on each side of them, and
a plate, a foaming glass, and a friend in front, the Baron and his host
smiled radiantly down upon less favored mortals.

"Tulliwuddle is very late," said Essington; "but he's a devilish casual
gentleman in all matters."

"I am selfish enoff to hope he vill not gom at all!" exclaimed the
Baron.

"Unfortunately he has had the doubtful taste to conceive a curiously
high opinion of myself. I am afraid he won't desert us. But I don't
propose that we shall suffer for his slackness. Bring the fish, waiter."

The Baron was happy; and that is to say that his laughter re-echoed
from the shining mirrors, his tongue was loosed, his heart expanded, his
glass seemed ever empty.

"Ach, how to make zis joie de vivre to last beyond to-night!" he cried.
"May ze Teufel fly off mit of offeecial duties and receptions and--and
even mit my vife for a few days."

"My dear Baron!"

"To Alicia!" cried the Baron hastily, draining his glass at the toast.
"But some fun first!"

"'I could not love thee, dear, so well,
Loved I not humor more!'"

misquoted his host gaily. "Ah!" he added, "here comes Tulliwuddle."

A young man, with his hands in his pockets and an eyeglass in his eye,
strolled up to their table.

"I'm beastly sorry for being so late," said he; "but I'm hanged if
I could make up my mind whether to risk wearing one of these frilled
shirt-fronts. It's not bad, I think, with one's tie tied this way. What
do you say?"

"It suits you like a halo," Essington assured him. "But let me introduce
you to my friend the Baron Rudolph von Blitzenberg."

Lord Tulliwuddle bowed politely and took the empty chair; but it was
evident that his attention could not concentrate itself upon sublunary
matters till the shirt-front had been critically inspected and
appreciatively praised by his host. Indeed, it was quite clear that
Essington had not exaggerated his regard for himself. This admiration
was perhaps the most pleasing feature to be noted on a brief
acquaintance with his lordship. He was obviously intended neither for a
strong man of action nor a great man of thought. A tolerable appearance
and considerable amiability he might no doubt claim; but unfortunately
the effort to retain his eye-glass had apparently the effect of forcing
his mouth chronically open, which somewhat m