The remains of a generous meal were on the table.

The newcomer held out his glass to the tulip and begged her to pour him some champagne.
"One moment!" interrupted the prince.

"First let me ask a question.

How much have you left of my wife's quarterly allowance that I sent her by you ?" "That is exactly what I was going to speak to you about," returned the young man.

"I have to ask you for the next quarter's allowance also." "Indeed! And must you have it immediately ?" "If you please." "But haven't you already learned, from her letter which she wrote me in November, that she is about to change her religion and marry again, and that consequently she declines all further assistance from me?
Didn't this letter come into your hands ?" Benjamin Vajdar shrugged his shoulders and calmly proceeded to squeeze lemon-juice on his oysters.