All the family chorused 'Yes,' and Mr Wopples admitted, with a
modest smile, that it was wonderful.

'Practise,' said Mr Wopples, waving a fork with a piece of cold beef
at the end of it, 'makes perfect. My dear Vandeloup, if you will
permit me to call you so, my son Buckstone is truly a wonderful
critic.'

Vandeloup smiled at this, and came to the conclusion that the
Wopples family was a mutual admiration society. However, as it was
now nearly twelve o'clock, he rose to take his leave.

'Oh, you're not going yet,' said Mr Wopples, upon which all the
family echoed, 'Surely, not yet,' in a most hospitable manner.

'I must,' said Vandeloup, with a smile. 'I know Madame will excuse
me,' with a bow to Mrs Wopples, who thereupon fluttered nervously;
'but I have to be up very early in the morning.'

'In that case,' said Mr Wopples, rising, 'I will not detain you;
early to bed and early to rise, you know; not that I believe in it
much myself, but I understand it is practised with good results by
some people.'

Vandeloup shook hands with Mr and Mrs Wopples, but feeling unequal
to taking leave of the ten star artistes in the same way, he bowed
in a comprehensive manner, whereupon the whole ten arose from their
chairs and bowed unanimously in return.