"But we are engaged, it's you who are absurd," he said, pettishly; "but don't let us bother about it, my frosty walk has been quite an appetizer. Did you find it long, pet, while I was away? but I forget, you had that man here. A ring! bother."
"It is Miss Crew, who is, you know, visiting me. Excuse me a moment, I hear Captain Tremaine's voice."
"Hang all her visitors," he muttered.
"I am glad to see you back, dear; come into the dining-room, both of you."
"Thanks, I believe if you only had potato and point, you would offer some one the potato."
"If so, they should thank you; for, from admiration of your hospitality, to imitation, was but one step."
"Blarney, blarney, you might only say that to the Chinese. These oysters are very fine, nothing like eating them off the shell."
"Just my taste; these were sent me by a friend."
"I never saw a man look more at home, than you, Cobbe; if all bachelors looked as contentedly jolly, we would not pity you so."
"No pity for me, Tremaine, thanks. I have given many of you cause for envy."