"Well, gentlemen," said Juana, putting on a smile so sweet we could hardly imagine her so soon capable of assuming, "you are exceedingly punctual—just one hour and ten minutes after the time."
"We crave your pardon, fair Juana, but the delay was unavoidable," said L'Estrange, advancing and shaking hands.
"You should put that in the singular, L'Estrange. I care little how long I keep people waiting, and in the case of ladies always make up with a kiss," said the Captain, bestowing one on the fair Spaniard's cheek.
"And how do you do when ladies keep you waiting, Captain de Vere?" said Juana.
"Never wait for them, or if they be refractory give them something to mend their memory and manners another time! I see you are all prepared, Juana, at any rate. Here, sirrah!" addressing the servant, "is the wine properly iced?"
"Yes, your honour. Can I do anything else?"
"Nothing but take yourself off as quick as you can? Stay—tell my man to call for Sir R. Musgrave, and be here at eleven. Let him be punctual, or egad! I'll know why."
"Now we are by ourselves let us begin and discuss this affair," said L'Estrange.
"To the devil with your discussions till we have got something aboard, as Wilson would say. There's your health, my dark-eyed beauty! and luck!" said the Captain, draining a bumper.
"Now then, L'Estrange, discuss away—I've enough wine in me to settle my brain; I hate talking on nothing."