It is the best club in London for men who do not belong to it." It occurred to Harry that in the smoking-room there could be no privacy.
Three or four men had already spoken to the count, showing that he was well known, giving notice, as it were, that Pateroff would become a public man when once he was placed in a public circle.

To have given a dinner to the count, and to have spoken no word to him about Lady Ongar, would be by no means satisfactory to Harry's feelings, though, as it appeared, it might be sufficiently satisfactory to the guest.

Harry therefore suggested one bottle of claret.

The count agreed, expressing an opinion that the 51 Lafitte was unexceptional.

The 51 Lafitte was ordered, and Harry, as he filled his glass, considered the way in which his subject should be introduced.
"You knew Lord Ongar, I think, abroad ?" "Lord Ongar--abroad! Oh, yes, very well; and for many years here in London; and at Vienna; and very early in life at St.Petersburg.I knew Lord Ongar first in Russia, when he was attached to the embassy as Frederic Courton.