"It's granted," said Cole. "Have a drink with me.—Everybody have a drink with me. Here, Sparrow—where the devil's the fellow—take the gentlemen's orders.—Ah! sir," as a stranger appeared in the doorway, "come in; we're just going to have a drink. What will you have?"
The newcomer let his eyes rest, casually, on Cole.
"Permit me to decline," he said; "I was looking for some one."
"Your pardon, sir," said Mr. Paca, stepping forward; "are you not Sir Edward Parkington?"
"I am," he said; "at your service."
Mr. Paca extended his hand. "Permit me to introduce myself. I am William Paca; this is Mr. Hammond, and Mr. Worthington, and Mr. Cole, and Mr. Chase."
Parkington acknowledged the introduction with a sweeping bow, and took the proffered chair.
"What is your order, sir?" Cole persisted.
"A little rum and water, if you won't excuse me."
"I won't excuse you.—I won't excuse anybody," Cole averred. "Sparrow, some rum and water for Sir Edward Parkington, and make haste."