At last (how long it seemed!) the Baron rose, and immediately the rest did the same, and they drank the health of the Prince.

Then a servitor brought in a pile of cigars upon a carved wooden tray, like a large platter, but with a rim.

"These," said the Baron, again rising (the signal to all to cease conversing and to listen), "are a present from my gracious and noble friend the Earl of Essiton" (he looked towards Durand), "not less kindly carried by Lord Durand.

I could have provided only our own coarse tobacco; but these are the best Devon." The ladies now left the table, Aurora escorted by Durand, the Baroness by Oliver.

Oliver, indeed, was in the highest spirits; he had eaten heartily of all; especially the sweet thyme lamb, and drunk as freely.
He was in his element, his laugh the loudest, his talk the liveliest.
Directly Durand returned (he had gone even a part of the way upstairs towards the drawing-room with Aurora, a thing a little against etiquette) he took his chair, formality being now at an end, and placed it by Oliver.