Todd did stop, when the glass was within a hair's breadth of running over, but not before; and then again he helped himself, and when he set the bottle upon the table, he said—
"A biscuit?"
"Not for me. No."
"Nay. You will find it pleasant with the brandy. I have one or two here. Rather hard, perhaps, but good."
"Well, I will, then. I was afraid you would have to go out for them, that was all, Mr. T., and I wouldn't give you any trouble for the world. I only hope we shall often meet in this quiet comfortable way, Mr. T. I always did respect you, for, as I often said to Fogg, of all the customers that come here, Mr. Todd for me. He takes things in an easy way, and if he is a thundering rogue, he is at all events a clever one."
"How kind!"
"No offence, I hope, Mr. Todd?"
"Offence, my dear fellow? Oh, dear me! How could you think of such a thing? Offence, indeed! You cannot possibly offend me!"
"I'm rejoiced to hear you say so, Mr. T., I am really; and this is—this is—the—very best—ah—brandy that ever I—where are you going, Mr. T.?"
"Only to get the biscuits. They are in the cupboard behind you; but don't stir, I beg. You are not at all in the way."