In due course of time, proceeding across a gorgeous lobby and traversing
an impressive corridor, passing lackeys in livery and guests in evening
finery, we arrived at the doorway of the most elaborately ornate dining
hall I had ever seen. The Promoter paused in the doorway to let the
first impression sink in.
"I could have had our dinner served in a private dining-room, of
course," said he to us, "but Althea and I decided that you would enjoy
this better. There's nothing like it anywhere. It's absolutely
cosmopolitan. People from all over the world are dining here
to-night--are every night. Every tenth man is worth his millions. Notice
the third table on the right as we go by. That's Joseph L. Chrysler, the
iron magnate. With his party is a French actress--worshipped on both
sides the water. Keep your eyes peeled."
A bowing potentate motioned us forward. A bending waiter put us in our
places. Orchids decorated our table. An extraordinarily expensive
orchestra celebrated our arrival with strains from a popular opera then
raging.
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