Here there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," called Mordaunt.
Bridget entered with a waiter, on which were a coffee-pot, some cups and saucers, sugar, etc., beside a plate of sandwiches.
"Thank you, Bridget," said Mordaunt. "I see you understood what was wanted. Now, if you'll take down them wet clothes and dry them for us, we will be much obliged."
"I'll do it, Mr. Mordaunt," said the willing handmaiden.
"Now, Gilbert, sit down, and we'll have a good cup of coffee apiece," said Mordaunt. "You're hungry, are you not?"
"Bathin' in such a big tub gave me an appetite," said Tom; "but I wouldn't like to get up an appetite that way every day."
"Nor I. It's too much trouble, not to speak of the danger. How do you find the coffee?"
"Tip-top."
"It's a good deal better than wine, eh?"