"What's the odds as long as you're happy and the 'rosy' is close at hand?" said Jack. "Besides, this is a case of necessity—"
"I propose that we have a series of toasts," interrupted Charlie; who was beginning to feel himself again. "With all their necessary subdivisions," added Rankin, in his incisive little voice, which could always make itself heard.
"There you are again, Rankin," cried Jack. "I proposed a toast with Rankin two days ago, ladies, and, as I live by bread, he subdivided it sixteen times."
Dusenall was calling for a bottle of Seltzer water.
"Never mind your soda," commanded Jack. "Soda can't do justice to this toast. I propose this toast because I regard it as one of absolute necessity—"
"They all are," called Maurice.
"Gentlemen, I must protest against my learned friend's interrup—"
"Go on, Jack. Don't protest. Propose. I am getting thirsty," cried Hampstead's voice among a number of others.
"Well, gentlemen, am I to proceed or not? Have I the floor, or not?"
"That's just what he said after those sixteen horns," said Rankin, addressing the party confidentially. "Only, then he did not 'have the floor,' the floor had him."