Human nature is the same, it would appear, all the world over, but the upper crust is always the hardest.
When Colville was informed of the rumour, he remembered that he had never quarrelled with John Turner.

He had, of course, said some hard things in the heat of the moment, but Turner had not retorted.

There was no quarrel.

Colville, therefore, took an early opportunity of lunching at the club then reputed to have the best chef in Paris.

He went late and found that the majority of members had finished dejeuner and were taking coffee in one or other of the smoking-rooms.
After a quick and simple meal, Colville lighted a cigarette and went upstairs.