The dinner was as good as the company, and that is saying a great deal. I shall record the Menu, to show that in 1914 the cooks of London were still bravely ignoring the ugly fact that we were at war. MENU Oyster Cocktail à la Strachey Lobster -- Newburg Chicken A la Maryland Selle d'Agneau Haricots Verts Pommes Anna Bécassine Fine Champagne Aubergine Bombe à la Censor Friandises Cheese Savoury àla "Spectator" Corbeilles de Fruits Café -- Liqueurs The speeches I remember well. Those about me were much too flattering, but I liked them none the less for that. I am sure they were sincere. Certainly mine was. I had started out on the hard track of duty to my profession and my country, and behold, it had turned into the Primrose Path of pleasure! I expected to deal with a body of severe strangers and I found myself with a band of brothers -- men to whom you could entrust your secrets in the spirit in which you entrust a bank with your money. -342- |