CHAPTER II


A few days after the dinner at Mr. Grey's, as the Marquess of Carabas
was sitting in his library, and sighing, in the fulness of his ennui, as
he looked on his large library table, once triply covered with official
communications, now thinly besprinkled with a stray parliamentary paper
or two, his steward's accounts, and a few letters from some grumbling
tenants, Mr. Vivian Grey was announced.

"I fear I am intruding on your Lordship, but I really could not refrain
from bringing you the receipt I promised."

"Most happy to see ye, most happy to see ye."

"This is exactly the correct receipt, my Lord. TO EVERY TWO BOTTLES OF
STILL CHAMPAGNE, ONE PINT OF CURACOA." The Peer's eyes glistened, and
his companion proceeded; "ONE PINT OF CURACOA; CATCH THE AROMA OF A
POUND OF GREEN TEA, AND DASH THE WHOLE WITH GLENLIVET."

"Splendid!" ejaculated the Marquess.

"The nice point, however, which it is impossible to define in a receipt,
is catching the aroma. What sort of a genius is your Lordship's chef?"

"First-rate! Laporte _is_ a genius."

"Well, my Lord! I shall be most happy to superintend the first