"Here's a pretty way of seeing the New Year in," said Clara, laughing.
"We are quite enough of us for the purpose," said Crocker, "unless we also are expected to go away." But as he spoke he mixed a tumbler of brandy and water, which he divided among two smaller glasses, handing them to the two ladies present.
"I declare," said Mrs. Duffer, "I never do anything of the kind,—almost never."
"On such an occasion as this everybody does it," said Crocker.
"I hope Mr. Tribbledale will join us," said Clara. Then the bashful clerk came out of his corner, and seating himself at the table prepared to do as he was bid. He made his toddy very weak, not because he disliked brandy, but guided by an innate spirit of modesty which prevented him always from going more than halfway when he was in company.
Then the evening became very pleasant. "You are quite sure that he is really engaged to her ladyship?" asked Clara.
"I wish I were as certainly engaged to you," replied the polite Crocker.
"What nonsense you do talk, Mr. Crocker;—and before other people too. But you think he is?"
"I am sure of it. Both Hampstead and she have told me so much themselves out of their own mouths."
"My!" exclaimed Mrs. Duffer.