Good! The aspect of the place pleases me." The two men, arriving so early, received the distinguished consideration of a bowing maitre d'hotel as they entered the Austria.

They were ushered at once to a round table in a favourable position.

Selingman surrendered his hat and coat to the obsequious vestiaire, pulled down his waistcoat with a familiar gesture, spread his pudgy hands upon the table and looked around him with a smile of benevolent approval.
"I shall amuse myself here," he declared confidently.

"Pass the menu to me, Draconmeyer.

You have no more idea how to eat than a rabbit.