The delicate strains of music came from an invisible orchestra concealed behind a canopy of palms.

The head-waiters had the correct clerical air, half complacent, half dignified.

Among the other diners were many beautiful women in marvellous toilettes.

A variety of uniforms, worn by the officers at different tables, gave colour and distinction to a _tout ensemble_ with which even Norgate could find no fault.
"Germany has changed very much since I was here as a boy," he confessed.
"One has heard of the growing wealth of Berlin, but I must say that I scarcely expected--" He hesitated.

His companion laughed softly at his embarrassment.
"Do not forget," she interrupted, "that I am Austrian--Austrian, that is to say, with much English in my blood.