Wilder had been starting to fall asleep, the glass of punch tilting closer and closer to disaster. John's act roused him from his stupor, however, and he set the glass on the floor near the base of the chair in preparation to stand up. "Very well," he said, and with a groan of effort heaved himself to his feet, where he wobbled like a precariously erected bridge. Once suitably stable on his own feet, he took the cigar out of his mouth and tucked it between his first two fingers to aid in wild gesturing.
"Your first task, my young initiate," he said, "is a test of your desire to join this lofty organization. It's a test of heart." He thumped his own chest for emphasis and then burped discreetly. "It's a test of brotherhood. For to be part of the Brotherhood, you must love your-" Here he broke off into a fit of coughing, possibly due to stray smoke from his cigar or perhaps to dislodge the rest of his speech.
"Brother," he concluded. "So to demonstrate your love, you must kiss each member on the lips. And I don't want to see any weak little hello kisses. I shall demonstrate. Hold this please," he said, handing his cigar to Alec. He stepped over to Charlie, placing his hands on either side of his initiate's face, and planted a big wet one right on his mouth.
"That one was free," he informed Charlie, and took his cigar back. He decided against sitting down a second time, not sure if he would be able to get up again if he did, and leaned against a nearby wall to watch.