"You are right; the account in the 'Times' is the true one."
"But, bless my life, I am keeping you standing here, carpet-bag in hand, all this time! Have you engaged your room?"
"No; they say the house is full."
"Not quite! Mine is a double-bedded chamber. You shall share it with me, if you like. What do you say?"
"Thank you, I should like it very much."
"Come in, then, and have a wash and a change of clothes; after which we will have supper. What would you like?"
"Anything at all. I know they cannot send up a bad one here."
Mr. Brudenell touched the bell. The waiter speedily answered it.
"Supper directly, James. Four dozen oysters; a roast fowl; baked potatoes; muffins; a bottle of sherry; and, and, black tea!—that is your milksop beverage, I believe, Ishmael," added Mr. Brudenell, in a low voice, turning to his guest.
"That is my milksop beverage," replied Ishmael good-humoredly.