Real Russian cigarettes were smoked, real Russian vodka was sipped; the Czar's health was drunk; no bombs were thrown, no bonds were offered for sale, the Russian loan was not discussed; the Japanese servants were not present, having been given a half holiday.

Oh, it was a little triumph, that tea! Blakely's mother was showered with congratulations.

The "Choicest Flowers" vied with one another in assurances of their distinguished approval.
Indeed, they were all crazy about it--except the grand duke.

Blakely said the grand duke was bored to death, and that he had led him off to the bar and given him a whisky-and-soda out of sheer pity.

From that time on the duke stuck to him like a postage stamp, so that Blakely had an awful time escaping that night to dine with Dad and me.