"Do you intend, my dear Colonel," the American asked, "to honour me with your charming society any longer?"
"No," the young man answered, bluntly; "I shall stop here."
"Ah!" John Davis continued, with feigned disappointment, "shall we part already?"
"Oh no," the Colonel answered, "not yet."
"In spite of the extreme pleasure I should feel in remaining longer in your company, I am obliged to continue my journey."
"Oh, you will surely grant me a few moments, Master Davis?" the other said, with an emphasis on each syllable.
"Well, a few moments, but no more; for I have a long distance to go, and whatever pleasure I feel in conversing with you—"
"You alone," the Colonel interrupted him, "shall decide the time we shall remain together."
"It is impossible to display greater courtesy."
"Master Davis," the Colonel said, raising his voice, "have you forgotten the last conversation we had together?"