He rode on an omnibus from Whitehall to Piccadilly Circus, and walked then to Jules’. The clocks were striking half-past seven, the appointed hour, as he entered. A stout man like an emperor insisted on disrobing him of his greatcoat, and he felt suddenly naked. He peeped into the room, which was very empty, and all the waiters, like figures in Mme. Tussaud’s, stared at him together. He was sure that his tie had mounted above his collar; he put up his hand, found that this was so, and thought that the emperor was laughing at him. He bent down to tie his shoe, and then, just as a large party entered the restaurant, there was a little pop, and the head of his pearl stud was gone. He was on his knees in a second. “Beg pardon, sir,” said the Emperor. “Allow me.” “No,” said Henry, whose face was purple, whose heart was beating like a hammer, and through whose chasm in his shirt a little wind was blowing against his vest. “It’s my stud. I can—I beg your—Oh, there—No, it isn’t—” He was conscious of towering forms above him, of a lady’s black silk stockings, of someone saying: “Why, dammit”; of a sudden vision of the pearl and a large masculine boot thundering towards it. From his position on the floor he cried in agony: “Oh, do look out, you’re stepping on it!... I say ... Please!” He heard a sharp little cry, then, just as he seized it, Philip’s voice: “Why, Henry!” He staggered up from his knees, which were white with dust: his purple face, his disordered hair, a piece of pink vest that protruded from his shirt made an unusual picture. Someone began to laugh. “I say,” said Philip quickly, “come in here.” He led the way into the lavatory. “Now, what’s the matter?” Henry stared at him. Why couldn’t the silly fool see? “It’s my stud ... the head came off ... might have happened to anyone.” “That’s all right,” said Philip cheerfully. “Got it now? That’s good. Look here, I’ll screw it in for you.” “The other piece ...” said Henry, who was near tears ... “It’s slipped down—inside.” “I’m afraid you’ll have to take your trousers off,” said Philip gravely. “Just let ’em down. It’s all right. There’s no one here who matters.” Henry undressed. A smart man with hair like a looking-glass came in, stared and went out again. Two attendants watched sympathetically. After some time the stud was arranged, and Henry was dressed again. “You’d better just let me tie your tie,” said Philip. “It’s so difficult in here. One can’t see to do it oneself.”