"I'm afraid we're extremely busy now, but we can talk again in the morning."

 

My father was still looking at ,his hands as though he were faintly irritated by

them.

 

"I'm so glad you're feeling better now," I said again and took my leave ..

 

On descending, I found the kitchen on the brink of pandemonium, and in general,

an extremely tense atmosphere amongst all levels of staff. However, I am pleased

to recall that by the time dinner was served an hour or so later, nothing but

efficiency and professional calm was exhibited on the part of my team.

 

It is always something of a memorable sight to see that magnificent banqueting

hall employed to its full capacity and that evening was no exception. Of course,

the effect produced by unbroken lines of gentlemen in evening suits, so

outnumbering representatives of the fairer sex, was a rather severe one; but

then again, in those days, the two large chandeliers that hang over the table

still ran on gas - resulting in a subtle, quite soft light pervading the room -

and did not produce the dazzling brightness they have done ever since their

electrification. On that second and final dinner of the conference - most guests

were expected to disperse after lunch the following day - the company had lost

much of the reserve that had been noticeable throughout the previous days. Not

only was the conversation flowing more freely and loudly, we found ourselves

serving out wine at a conspicuously increased rate.