"I'll wager he didn't need much urging!" roared a gentleman with a rubicund nose.
"He is positively good-looking!" said one woman, eying me boldly.
I bowed ironically, and she looked at her neighbor as if to say: "Why, the animal understands what I say!"
"My friends," said the girl, waving her hand toward me, "I have paid my detestable forfeit." Her tones did not bespeak any particular enjoyment.
A wager! I stood alone, my face burning with chagrin. I could feel my ears growing, like the very ass that I was. A wager!
"To table!" cried the gentleman with the rubicund nose. Evidently he was host. "We must have the story in full. It certainly must be worth telling. The girl has brought home a gentleman, I'm hanged!"
The guests resumed their chairs noisily.
The girl faced me, and for a space it was a battle of the eyes.
"Will you do me the honor?" she said half-mockingly, nodding toward the only vacant chairs at the table.
"Would it not be wise for me to go at once?" I asked quietly.