Irony in "The Luncheon"

Irony

Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words.

Use of Irony in the story: 

First of all, I'd like to say some words about the title of the text "The Luncheon". The title of the text is rather ironical. If we consult a dictionary, we can find out that the word "luncheon" means a "light snack", but as we can see hereinafter a light snack turns to be an abundant and expensive meal. 

Secondly, In the letter the lady flattered the writer in such a way that she is very interested on his writing. But actually it is not.

Thirdly, this is a dramatic irony. It is based on the strong contrast between what the woman keeps saying and what she actually does. The narrator is fooled into taking the woman to the expensive Foyot's restaurant because he thinks she is telling the truth when she says, "I never eat anything for luncheon.

And at the same time, Maugham, who was twenty years younger at the time of the luncheon he is describing, is pretending to be urbane , gallant and sophisticated. He has to keep up a smiling , insouciant façade while inwardly he is suffering agonies when his guest, who claims she never eats anything for luncheon, orders some of the  most expensive things Foyot’s has to offer, including salmon, caviare, and champagne and she does not even think a bit about the costs the speaker would have to pay for the lunch.