It isn’t clear how Gilbert managed to receive an invitation to drop in any Friday evening from Alexander Karapanos, the member of the Greek parliament representing Arta in North-West Greece. While Gilbert had to wear a (smoking) jacket and tie when visiting his Royalist friends’ homes, in case Royalty might be present, informality was acceptable among the Venizelists.
Under pressure from the French government, the Allied Ambassadors were ordered to ignore and avoid the Greek King for his refusal to enter the war on their side. Gilbert believed that Serpieri had to uninvite the Italian Ambassador from attending the Royal Gala when he learned that the King would attend, but Gilbert saw the French Ambassador, the Count de Billy, at the Karapanos’ house.