"But," he added, "perhaps the Countess might describe them to you." But Margaret meant to do nothing of the kind.

She did not want to continue the general conversation on the topic which seemed especially Claudius's own, particularly as Mr.Barker seemed inclined to laugh at the Doctor's enthusiasm.

So she changed the subject, and began asking the American questions about the races on the previous day.
"Of course," she said, "I do not go anywhere now." The dinner passed off very pleasantly.

Miss Skeat was instructed in the Knickerbocker and Boston peerage, so to speak, by the intelligent Mr.
Barker, who did not fail, however, to hint at the superiority of Debrett, who does not hesitate to tell, and boldly to print in black and white, those distinctions of rank which he considers necessary to the salvation of society; whereas the enterprising compilers of the "Boston Blue Book" and the "New York List" only divide society up into streets, mapping it out into so many square feet and so much frontage of dukes, marquesses, generals, and "people we don't know." Miss Skeat listened to the disquisition on the rights of birth with rapt attention, and the yellow candle-light played pleasantly on her old corners, and her ancient heart fluttered sympathetically.

Margaret, on the other side, made Claudius talk about his youth, and took infinite pleasure in listening to his tales of the fresh Northern life he had led as a boy.
The Doctor had the faculty of speech and told his stories with a certain vigour that savoured of the sea.
"I hope you will both come and see me," said the Countess, as the two men took their departure; but as she spoke she looked at Barker.
Half an hour later they sat in their sitting-room at the hotel, and Barker sipped a little champagne while Claudius smoked cigarettes, as usual.