"Good, good."

 

M. Dupont resumed his conversation and I continued my way around the room for

some moments. At one point, the German countess emerged from the midst of the

gentlemen and before I had had a chance to serve her, began helping herself to

some port from my tray.

 

"You will compliment the cook for me, Stevens," she said.

 

"Of course, madam. Thank you, madam." "And you and your team did well also."

"Thank you most kindly, madam."

 

"At one point during dinner, Stevens, I would have sworn you were at least three

people," she said and laughed.

 

I laughed quickly and said: "I'm delighted to be of service, madam."

 

A moment later, I spotted the young Mr Cardinal not far away, still standing on

his own, and it struck me the young gentleman might be feeling somewhat overawed

in the present company. His glass, in any case, was empty and so I started

towards him. He seemed greatly cheered at the prospect of my arrival and held

out his glass.

 

"I think it's admirable that you're a nature-lover, Stevens," he said, as I

served him. "And I dare say it's a great advantage to Lord Darlington to have