"As heretofore, Albert mine?" asked the obliging landlord, taking another tumbler and spoon from the cupboard and placing it on the table by the side of the smoking tea-kettle.
"Rather a little more than less," was the mysterious reply.
While Mr. Toby was brewing the hot drink according to this prescription, Albert was gazing at the tips of his boots.
"You are not in good humor to-night, Albert mine!" said Toby, looking up from his occupation.
"It would be a lie to say the contrary!"
"What's the matter? Has little Louisa caught you?"
"Little Louisa be d----d."
"Or have they sent you a little note, which you had conveniently forgotten?"
"Something of the kind!"
"Well, what is it?" asked Toby, placing the grog he had mixed for Albert upon the table and stirring it busily. "There, take a mouthful, and then speak out!"