Here he seemed so thoroughly in accord with the air of masculine and cultivated refinement which dominated the atmosphere.

He carried himself with the ease and dignity to which his race entitled him, but, apart from that, his manner had qualities which Arnold found particularly attractive.

His manicured nails, his spotless linen, his links and waistcoat buttons,--cut from some quaint stone,--the slight affectations of his dress, the unusual manner of brushing back his hair and arranging his tie, gave him only a note of individuality.
Every word he spoke--and he talked softly but continually during the service of the meal--confirmed Arnold's first impressions of him.

He was a man, at least, who had lived a man's life without fear or weakness, and, whatever his standards might be, he would adhere to them.
Dinner was noiselessly and perfectly served by the butler who had first appeared, and a slighter and smaller edition of himself who brought him the dishes.

There was no champagne, but other wines were served in their due order, the quality of which Arnold appreciated, although more than one was strange to him.