Publisher's Synopsis
He was thirty-three, agreeable to look at, equipped with as much culture and intelligence as istolerated east of Fifth Avenue and west of Madison. He had a couple of elaborate rooms at theLenox Club, a larger income than seemed to be good for him, and no profession. It follows that hewas a pessimist before breakfast. Besides, it's a bad thing for a man at thirty-three to come to theconclusion that he has seen all the most attractive girls in the world and that they have been vastlyoverrated. So, when a club servant with gilt buttons on his coat tails knocked at the door, theinvitation to enter was not very cordial. He of the buttons knocked again to take the edge off beforehe entered; then opened the door and unburdened himself as follows: "Mr. Gatewood, sir, Mr. Kerns's compliments, and wishes to know if 'e may 'ave 'is coffee served atyour tyble, sir."Gatewood, before the mirror, gave a vicious twist to his tie, inserted a pearl scarf pin, and regardedthe effect with gloomy approval."Say to Mr. Kerns that I am-flattered," he replied morosely; "and tell Henry I want him.""'Enry, sir? Yes, sir."The servant left; one of the sleek club valets came in, softly sidling."Henry!""Sir?""I'll wear a white waistcoat, if you don't object."The valet laid out half a dozen."Which one do you usually wear when I'm away, Henry? Which is your favorite?""Sir?""Pick it out and don't look injured, and don't roll up your eyes. I merely desire to borrow it for oneday.""Very good, sir.""And, Henry, hereafter always help yourself to my best cigars. Those I smoke may injure you. I'veattempted to conceal the keys, but you will, of course, eventually discover them under that loose tileon the hearth.""Yes, sir; thanky', sir," returned the valet gravely.3"And-Henry!""Sir?" with martyred dignity."When you are tired of searching for my olivine and opal pin, just find it, for a change. I'd like towear that pin for a day or two if it would not inconvenience you.""Very good, sir; I will 'unt it hup, sir."Gatewood put on his coat, took hat and gloves from the unabashed valet, and sauntered down tothe sunny breakfast room, where he found Kerns inspecting a morning paper and leisurelyconsuming grapefruit with a cocktail on the side."Hullo," observed Kerns briefly."I'm not on the telephone," snapped Gatewood."I beg your pardon; how are you, dear friend?""I don't know how I am," retorted Gatewood irritably; "how the devil should a man know how heis?""Everything going to the bowwows, as usual, dear friend?""As usual. Oh, read your paper, Tommy! You know well enough I'm not one of those tail-waggingimbeciles who wakes up in the morning singing like a half-witted lark. Why should I, with this tastein my mouth, and the laundress using vitriol, and Henry sneering at my cigars?" He yawned and casthis eyes toward the ceiling. "Besides, there's too much gilt all over this club! There's too mucheverywhere. Half the world is stucco, the rest rococo. Where's that Martini I bid for?
