It is true the pretty Roumanian is not here! We are all very friendly, and by "we" I mean my most sympathetic numbers, the major, the Caternas, young Pan Chao, who replies with very Parisian pleasantries to the actor's fooleries.
The dinner is a pleasant one and a good one.

We learn what is the fourth rule formulated by Cornaco, that Venetian noble, and with the object of determining the right amount for drinking and eating.

Pan Chao pressed the doctor on this subject, and Tio-King replied, with a seriousness truly buddhic: "The rule is founded on the quantity of nourishment proportionate for each temperament as regards the difference of ages, and the strength and the food of various kinds." "And for your temperament, doctor ?" asked Caterna, "what is the right quantity ?" "Fourteen ounces of solid or liquid--" "An hour ?" "No, sir, a day," replied Tio-King.

"And it was in this manner that the illustrious Cornaro lived from the age of thirty-six, so as to leave himself enough strength of body and mind to write his fourth treatise when he was eighty-five, and to live to a hundred and two." "In that case, give me my fifth cutlet," said Pan Ghao, with a burst of laughter.
There is nothing more agreeable than to talk before a well-served table; but I must not forget to complete my notes regarding Kokham.

We were not due there till nine o'clock, and that would be in the nighttime.