The great man came, and Lady Carbury took him under her immediate wing with a grace that was all her own. She said a word about their dear friends at Caversham, expressed her sorrow that her son's engagements did not admit of his being there, and then with the utmost audacity rushed off to the article in the "Pulpit." Her friend, Mr. Alf, the editor, had thoroughly appreciated the greatness of Mr. Melmotte's character, and the magnificence of Mr. Melmotte's undertakings. Mr. Melmotte bowed and muttered something that was inaudible. "Now I must introduce you to Mr. Alf," said the lady. The introduction was effected, and Mr. Alf explained that it was hardly necessary, as he had already been entertained as one of Mr. Melmotte's guests.
"There were a great many there I never saw, and probably never shall see," said Mr. Melmotte.
"I was one of the unfortunates," said Mr. Alf.
"I'm sorry you were unfortunate. If you had come into the whist-room you would have found me."

The great man came, and Lady Carbury took him gracefully under her wing. She said a word about their dear friends at Caversham, expressed her sorrow that her son's engagements did not allow him to be there, and then boldly brought up the article in the Pulpit. Her friend, Mr. Alf, the editor, had thoroughly appreciated the greatness of Mr. Melmotte's character, and the magnificence of his undertakings. Mr. Melmotte bowed and muttered something inaudible.
"Now I must introduce you to Mr. Alf," said the lady. When she did, Mr. Alf explained that he had already been entertained as one of Mr. Melmotte's guests.
"There were a great many there I never saw," said Mr. Melmotte. "If you had come into the whist-room you would have found me."
