"A mere ruffian!" I retorted.
"Do not be so severe on poor Augustus," said Colonel Berkeley, who was always the most affectionate brother I ever met with in my life. "He is a sailor, you know, and upon my honour he is very fond of you. I want you and Sophia to favour me with your company to dine at Richmond on Monday, and, if you will trust yourself to my care, I will drive my barouche."
"Willingly," answered I.
"But this is not all," continued the Colonel. "I am commissioned to intercede for Augustus."
"I am off then," said I, "for your brother is much too rude for my present state of health, and would I know tease me into a fever."
"Upon my word," said Berkeley, "I can make him do just what I please, and I have only interceded for him after receiving his promise not to say or do anything that can possibly offend."
The engagement was concluded for Monday, and Deerhurst begged to be of our party.
"No more of your rural fighting parties for me," I hastily observed, "and I neither like eggs and bacon nor pot-houses to eat my dinner in."
"No!" said Berkeley, laughing heartily, "did he really give you eggs and bacon for dinner?"
"And in the dog-days too!" continued I.