arrived, but at that moment the jingle of glasses was heard in the
sitting-room, and the old negro reappeared at the door. Drawing
himself up with ceremonious courtesy, he addressed Paul. "Wo'd yo'
mind, sah, taking a glance at de wine for yo' choice?" Paul rose,
and followed him into the sitting-room, when George carefully
closed the door. To his surprise Hathaway beheld a tray with two
glasses of whiskey and bitters, but no wine. "Skuse me, sah," said
the old man with dignified apology, "but de Kernel won't have any
but de best champagne for hono'ble gemmen like yo'self, and I'se
despaired to say it can't be got in de house or de subburbs. De
best champagne dat we gives visitors is de Widder Glencoe. Wo'd
yo' mind, sah, for de sake o' not 'xcitin' de Kernel wid triflin'
culinary matter, to say dat yo' don' take but de one brand?"

"Certainly," said Paul, smiling. "I really don't care for anything
so early;" then, returning to the bedroom, he said carelessly,
"You'll excuse me taking the liberty, colonel, of sending away the
champagne and contenting myself with whiskey. Even the best brand--
the Widow Cliquot"--with a glance at the gratified George--"I find
rather trying so early in the morning."

"As you please, Hathaway," said the colonel, somewhat stiffly. "I
dare say there's a new fashion in drinks now, and a gentleman's
stomach is a thing of the past. Then, I suppose, we can spare the
boy, as this is his time for going home. Put that tin box with the
Trust papers on the bed, George, and Mr. Hathaway will excuse your
waiting." As the old servant made an exaggerated obeisance to
each, Paul remarked, as the door closed upon him, "George certainly
keeps his style, colonel, in the face of the progress you deplore."