Dor. Another of those festive gatherings! Hope you don't expect me to tip 'em anything this time?
Pil. No, Captain Dorvaston; your contribution on the last occasion may have been well intentioned—I judge no man, and will hope so——
Dor. Thought it was just the thing to wake 'em up after that Shakespearian bit of yours—The Ball of Worsted.
Pil. The Fall of Wolsey!
Miss P. I was not present last time. What did Captain Dorvaston read?
Dor. It was an account of the last American glove fight, don't you know?
Miss P. Oh!
Pil. Described with a wealth of technical detail. (hands his cup to Miss Pillenger) The whole occurrence was most regrettable. I was observing, Hannah, we shall have to dine earlier——
Miss P. I had some idea of making it a cold meal.
Pil. Cold meal! A most unpleasant suggestion. Cold food, especially in the evening, has a tendency to lie heavy on the stom—er—that is, I see nothing feasible in the notion.