"Oh, really," rejoined Mr. Rodney, looking much upset—"really, I should not submit for a moment to any indignity of that nature."
"Well, I daresay even a moment of being flayed would inconvenience a chap. But come, give us a Limerick. Cheer us up now! Give us a good Limerick. You must know thousands."
"I assure you I do not. I have never been in Ireland."
The Duke burst out into a mirthless laugh.
"Well, upon my—what's Ireland got to do with it?"
"Everything, I should suppose," returned Mr. Rodney, trembling with nervous exhaustion, but trying to look dignified. "Where are you going, Van Adam?"
"Bed," said Chloe, endeavouring to vanish.
"Bed be damned!" remarked the Duke. "I never saw such fellows for a carouse. Bed at ten!"
"It is past eleven," said Chloe uncomfortably, while Mr. Rodney looked eaten up with suspicion.