Sir William insisted on the pledge. Norris then, in no very good humour, emptied his cup to the Earl of Essex.
Essex responded by draining a goblet to Count Hollock.
"A Norris's father," said the young Earl; as he pledged the Count, who was already very drunk, and looking blacker than ever.
"An 'orse's father—an 'orse's father!" growled' Hollock; "I never drink to horses, nor to their fathers either:" and with this wonderful witticism he declined the pledge.
Essex explained that the toast was Lord Norris, father of the Captain; but the Count refused to understand, and held fiercely, and with damnable iteration, to his jest.
The Earl repeated his explanation several times with no better success.
Norris meanwhile sat swelling with wrath, but said nothing.
Again the Lord Marshal took the same great glass, and emptied it to the young Captain.
Norris, not knowing exactly what course to take, placed the glass at the side of his plate, and glared grimly at Sir William.
Pelham was furious. Reaching over the table, he shoved the glass towards
Norris with an angry gesture.
"Take your glass, Captain Norris," he cried; "and if you have a mind to jest, seek other companions. I am not to be trifled with; therefore, I say, pledge me at once."