He cared not a brass farthing for Moroni's Chateau Yquem, nor for the wondrously studied repast which he would doubtless find prepared for him at that celebrated establishment in St.James's Street;--not a farthing as compared with the chance of meeting so great a man as Lord Moles.

And Lord Chiltern's friends might probably be just the men whom he would not desire to know.

But Lady Laura's request overrode everything with him.

She had asked him to oblige her, and of course he would do so.

Had he been going to dine with the incoming Prime Minister, he would have put off his engagement at her request.
He was not quick enough to make an answer without hesitation; but after a moment's pause he said he should be most happy to dine with Lord Chiltern at Moroni's.
"That's right; 7.30 sharp,--only I can tell you you won't meet any other members." Then the servant announced more visitors, and Lord Chiltern escaped out of the room before he was seen by the new comers.