human
Pray be seated, said Hamilton.
gpt
Sit on my right, Chestnut. I wish to see that my good wine is not wasted. Your first Madeira-drinking will seem strange to you. Thirty years away in Europe! Why, you were but a boy when you left us! Well, we are glad to have you back again.
human
And I as pleased to be at home, said Chestnut. As he spoke he noted with the readiness of a close observer of social life the gentlemen about him as they settled themselves at table with an obvious air of contentment. One, a strangely slight and very ruddy old man, after adjusting his napkin with care over his waistcoat, said, as he looked up,
gpt
Well, well, you have lost a good deal of time.
human
That is sadly true, said the stranger guest.
gpt
I have tasted no Madeira these twenty years.
human
Then I fear, my friend, from what Hamilton tells me, that you will hardly appreciate the charm of one of these little occasions.
gpt
But how could I? And still, let me assure you, my dear Mr. Wilmington, that the importance of the opportunity will not be lost on me, nor the good wine either, sir.
human
I trust not, said the elder man.
gpt
To consider with care some new Madeiras is—well, for that a man should have perfect health and entire tranquillity of mind. Sir, the drinking of these great wines is something more than a social ceremony or the indulgence of an appetite. It is, sir,—but I see Francis smiling—you may imagine the rest. I had an old friend who, when dying, declined to have his wine whey made out of a famous old Madeira, saying that it was a waste of a good thing on a palate which was past knowing sherry from port. That was, in my opinion, a well-bred and judicious use of conscience.
human
There was a certain refinement of unselfishness about it, said Chestnut.
gpt
I was on the point of asking you if, in your opinion, these finer wines are apt to tempt men into coarser indulgence? I have heard it so said.
human
I do not think it, returned Wilmington.
gpt
I am well aware, sir, that there are brutes who may make worse pigs of themselves with Madeira, or with anything; but as far as my memory serves me, I recall no occasion, sir, on which I have seen men who truly appreciate this wine, the worse for it.
human
A pretty strong statement,
gpt
I hope, sir, you do not mean to doubt—
human
Oh, by no means, cried the other, interrupting the irascible old man.
gpt
Not I. Pardon me—a thousand pardons!
human
Enough, sir! Thank you, and he bowed formally.
gpt
I was saying, or I was about to say, when—but, no matter
human
I hope, Hamilton, you have not arranged for a heavy supper.
gpt
How could you suspect me of that? A trifle of terrapin, without wine in the dressing, as a friend gave them to me last week in Baltimore. Then I shall offer you the breast of a canvasback. That is all. For an honest and refined study of Madeiras which are new to the palate, one should have supped wisely and not too well.
human
It seems so odd, said Chestnut,
gpt
Is that a true tale, Chestnut?
human
Yes, it is true. It was explained to me later that the dealer said the terrapin were not _counts_. I believe my man came back with an obscure idea that terrapin belong to the nobility. He did fetch me some very fine ducks, however.
gpt
Talking of ducks, my dear Wilmington, said Francis,