However, the matter being essentially his business and not mine, I refrained from offering any comments. Indeed, I thought it more tactful to change the conversation. "I'm afraid I'm hardly dressed for the Milan," I said. "I don't know whether it matters." He shrugged his shoulders. "We will have a private room in any case," he replied. "It is more comfortable." He spoke as though the Milan were some sort of Soho pot-house! I was just thinking what a pity it was I had wasted such an excellent appetite on Parelli's when the cab turned the corner into the Strand. Putting his head out of the window, Northcote gave some instructions to the driver, which I was unable to catch. Their nature, however, was obvious a moment later, for, turning to the right just before we reached the flaring courtyard of the famous restaurant, the man drew up at a small side entrance. We got out, and Northcote, after paying the fare, led the way into the hall, where a bland and very respectful head waiter came forward to meet us. "I want a private room, and a little light supper of some kind," said Northcote. "Certainly, sir, certainly," replied the other. "Will you come this way, sir." He guided us down a long, brilliantly lit corridor, stopping at the end door on the left, which he opened. We found ourselves in a small but luxuriously furnished room, with a table already laid for supper, and delightfully decorated with flowers. "This room was engaged to-night by one of the Russian nobility," explained our conductor suavely. "The order has just been cancelled by telephone, so, if it will suit you, sir--" "It will do excellently," broke in Northcote. Another waiter who had followed us into the apartment came forward, prepared to take our coats and hats. Northcote stopped him with a gesture. "You can leave them here," he said. Then, turning to the head waiter, he added curtly, "I shall be obliged if you will attend to us yourself." The man bowed, and, signalling to his assistant to withdraw, presented the menu which the latter had brought in. Northcote glanced at it, and then handed it across to me. "Is there anything particular that you would like?" he asked carelessly. "I fancy the resources of the Milan are fairly comprehensive." I shrugged my shoulders. "I shall be more or less of a spectator in any case," I said. "You had better settle the question." Northcote looked at the card again, and then ordered a couple of dishes, the names of which conveyed nothing to me. "And bring up a bottle of '93 Heidsieck," he added, "and some of that old liqueur brandy." The man bowed, and after pulling out our chairs from the table, noiselessly left the room. I could not help wondering whether the extraordinary likeness between Northcote and myself had struck him; but if it had, he had betrayed no sign of having noticed it. "I always think a really good head waiter," I observed, "is the most extraordinary work of art in the world."