The journalist continued the conversation.
"And so you were dining yesterday at old Dunster's." He used the word old not in the endearing sense in which it is sometimes applied to intimates, but as a matter of sober fact.

The Dunster in question was old.

He had been an eminent colonial statesman, but had now retired from active politics after a tour in Europe and a lengthy stay in England, during which he had had a very good press indeed.

The colony was proud of him.
"Yes.

I dined there," said Renouard.