"How jolly," he said.
"Firelight is very pleasant," agreed Mr. Twist, who had got up too.
"I oughtn't to have stayed so long out here," said the young man with a little shiver.
"I was thinking it was unwise," said Mr. Twist.
"Perhaps I'd better go in and warm myself a bit before leaving."
"I should say your best plan is to get back quickly to your sister and have a hot bath before dinner," said Mr. Twist.
"Yes. But I think I might just go in there and have a cup of hot coffee first."
"There is no hot coffee at this hour," said Mr. Twist, looking at his watch. "We close at half-past six, and it is now ten minutes after."
"Then there seems nothing for it but to pay my bill and go," said the young man, with an air of cheerful adaptation to what couldn't be helped. "I'll just nip in there and do that."
"Luckily there's no need for you to nip anywhere," said Mr. Twist, "for surely that's a type of movement unsuited to your sick leg. You can pay me right here."