"What's that?" said Moore, quickly. "Get on your way? Not much. You are going to stay to supper with us."
"Well," said Sheridan, who had risen in a hesitating way, "I--"
"Oh," said Moore, divining the cause of his countryman's embarrassment, "it is true that you won't get much to eat, but you are more than welcome to whatever there is; and besides, think of the company you will be in."
"That last decides me, if Mistress Dyke extends the invitation," said Sheridan, yielding in response to a nod from the Beau, who had decided to remain.
"Tom speaks for both of us," said Bessie. "Don't you, Tom?"
"Yes, and some day I 'll listen for both of us, no doubt. That will be when she points out my faults, lads. You must stay. Bessie will make the tea--that is, if there is any tea. If there is n't any, she 'll mix the whisky."
"Good," said Sheridan, smacking his lips.
"But there is tea," said the girl, opening the caddy which she found in the cupboard.
"Just our luck, eh, Sherry?" said the poet, disconsolately.
Buster entered at this opportune moment and busied himself, with the assistance of Bessie, in preparing the simple meal.