You would have been greater than me, and I am unequalled, though I keep only one hotel, and some men have half a dozen.

Mr Racksole, why have you never run an hotel ?' 'Heaven knows,' he laughed, 'but you flatter me, Mr Babylon.' 'I?
Flatter?
You do not know me.

I flatter no one, except, perhaps, now and then an exceptionally distinguished guest.

In which case I give suitable instructions as to the bill.' 'Speaking of distinguished guests, I am told that a couple of German princes are coming here to-morrow.' 'That is so.' 'Does one do anything?
Does one receive them formally--stand bowing in the entrance-hall, or anything of that sort ?' 'Not necessarily.

Not unless one wishes.