“Nor I neither,” chimed in Payne.
“Courageous allies both,” said O'Kelly, laughing. “Happily I need not such aid,—I 'll do it myself. I only ask you not to betray me.”
Without heeding the protestations they both poured forth, O'Kelly stepped forward and whispered in my ear,—
“Will you dine with me to-morrow, Jack?”
I stared at him in silent astonishment, and he went on:
“I have a wager on it; and if I win, you shall have five guineas for your share; and, to show you my confidence of success, I pay beforehand.”
He opened his purse as he spoke; but I stopped him suddenly with,—
“No need of that, sir; I accept your invitation. The honor alone is enough for me.”
“But you must have a coat, Jack, and ruffles, man.”
“I 'll not disgrace you, sir,—at least, so far as appearance goes,” said I.