Nevertheless there was a good deal said by others during which
the Major drank two glasses of whisky-and-water. In the dining-
room he had been struck with awe by the Duke's presence, and had
certainly no idea of presenting himself personally to the great
man. But Bacchus lent him aid, and when the discussion was over
and the whisky had been swallowed, it occurred to him that he
would go upstairs and ask to be introduced.
In the meantime the Duke and his son were seated in close
conversation on one of the upstairs sofas. It was a rule at the
Beargarden that men might smoke all over the house except in the
dining-room;--but there was one small chamber called the library,
in which the practice was not often followed. The room was
generally deserted, and at this moment the father and son were the
only occupants. 'A club,' said the Duke, as he sipped his coffee,
'is a comfortable and economical residence. A man gets what he
wants well-served, and gets it cheap. But it has its drawbacks.'
'You always see the same fellows,' said Silverbridge.
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