And now Jack told in a few words the object of Sedley's coming, what Pracontal had offered, and what Augustus had resolved to send for answer.
“I'd have said the Frenchman was the biggest fool in Europe if I had n't heard of your brother,” said Cutbill, puffing out a long column of smoke, and giving a deep sigh.
“That's not exactly how I read each of them,” said Jack, sternly.
“Possibly; but it's the true rendering after all. Consider for one moment—”
“Not for half a moment, Master Cutbill. That my brother might make a very good bargain, by simply bartering such an insignificant thing as his honor as a gentleman, is easy to see; and that scores of people would n't understand that such a compromise was in question, or was of much consequence if it were, is also easy to see; and we need waste no time in discussing this. I say Gusty's right, and I maintain it; and if you like to hold a different opinion, do so in Heaven's name, but don't disparage motives simply because you can't feel them.”
“Are you better after all that?” said Cutbill, dryly, as he filled Jack's glass with water, and pushed it towards him. “Do you feel refreshed?”
“Much better—considerably relieved.”
“Could I offer you anything cooling or calming?”
“Nothing half as cool as yourself, Cutty. And now let's change the subject, for it's one I'll not stand any chaff about.”
“Am I safe in recommending you that grilled chicken, or is it indiscreet in me to say you 'll find those sardines good?”