“And was it?” Lord Saire enquired, as was obviously expected of him.
The Prince used to laugh until it started a fit of coughing and when he could speak he said,
“Ridgeway telegraphed ahead to reserve a bottle and rode breakneck for three days and nights, but oh, the disappointment! He said later, ‘the ice was melted, the champagne was corked, and the next morning I had a head!’”
Mr. Henderson drew up in front of the house and pulled his tired horses to a standstill.
“Now for our drinks, Saire,” he said, “and I think I can offer you anything that you fancy in the way of alcohol.”
“If I have a choice,” Lord Saire replied, “I would enjoy a glass of champagne.”
“It’s yours!” Mr. Henderson shouted, “and a damned good vintage at that!”
He hurried ahead of his guest up the steps, shouting
