I had some trouble in preserving my countenance and my temper, while Fritz ran on in this fashion. He quickly perceived this.
"Come," said he; "taste the beer of Odenzee. I drink to you, Herr Captain. You are a most fortunate dog; but upon my soul I would not like to have a wife half so pretty."
"Why so, Fritz?" said I, rather amused by his rattling manner.
"Because a girl like Lady Ernestine will never want for lovers. They will swarm about her, like flies round a honey-pot.'
"But I have the strongest faith in her."
"Faith! oh, that is an excellent and most necessary quality for one who has ideas of matrimony."
"Come, Herr Fritz—now, do not be impertinent."
"I—impertinent—not for the world."
"Your faith was strong in a pretty mask of black velvet."
"Enough, enough, my boy. I shall say no more," said he, clinking his can against mine; "my faith was not strong; but I am not the first man who has been led out of his way by seeing a mincing step, a lifted skirt, and a pair of pretty ankles, encased in spotless white stockings. Der Teufel! no. By the by, do you mean to beat up the Imperialists in this neighbourhood?"