"My dear Count, there is no need to apologize; on the contrary, you have done me a service in showing my friends that you are indeed capable of prodigies," said Réginard, who then turned to his guests and added, "Messieurs, this is the Count of Monte Fato, chieftain of the Club Dunedani, wielder of the Walking-stick Reforged, lender of eagles, victorious over bandits, whose hands bring hashberry, the Caliph, Possessor of the Most Exquisite Cigars (do not dare to contradict me in this, M. Boyen-Xènes-Baguines), Connoisseur of All Things Edible, Potable, and Smokeable, and the most brilliant conversationalist of our time. Shall he join our modest festivities?"
"Eh! Sans doute!" replied the guests.
"Permit that I introduce my friends," said Réginard. "This is the Count of Château-Renard, whose nobility goes back to the Twelve Peers of Mirquewoude, and whose ancestors sat at, or under, the White Council; M. Lothien De Brie, particular secretary to the Minister of Boundiers; M. Pierre-Jacques-Philippe-Michel Boyen-Xènes-Baguines, dreadful journalist, and the terror of both the Arnorian government and of every tobacconist in Annuminas who dare sell products of less than elvish quality; and finally M. Meurtrier Morrie, capitaine des Uruc-haïs."
