Up to the moment of his suggesting this expedition he had remained the suave, perfectly mannered superior servant, accepted into equality for a time by one of his clients, and very careful not to presume in any way upon his position.

It is not snobbish to say this, because it was the truth.

Louis was chief _maitre d'hotel_ at one of the best restaurants in London.

I was an ex-officer in a cavalry regiment, brother of the Earl of Welmington, with a moderate income, and a more than moderate idea of how to spend it.

Louis was servant and I was master.