"Why, sir, I—I'm afraid I—we are—"
"I didn't know you were such an accomplished musician, Brimberly."
"Mu-musician, sir?" Brimberly stammered, his eyes goggling; "'ardly that, sir, oh, 'ardly that, I—I venture to—to tinkle a bit now an' then, sir—no offence I 'ope, sir?"
"Friends musical too, it seems."
"Y-yes, sir, music do affect 'em, sir—uncommonly, sir."
"Yes, makes them thirsty, doesn't it?"
"Why, Mr. Ravenslee, sir, I—that is, we did so far venture to—er—I mean—oh, Lord!" and mopping perspiring brow, Mr. Brimberly groaned and goggled helplessly from Mr. Jenkins who stood fumbling with his banjo to Mr. Stevens who gaped fishlike.
"And now," said Young R., having viewed them each in turn, "if these—er—very thirsty musicians have had enough of—er—my wine to—er—drink, perhaps you'll be so obliging as to see them—off the premises?"
"I—I beg parding, sir?"
"Please escort your friends off the premises."