"Tea is ready," announced Bessie, opportunely.
"Good," said Moore. "Buster, bring the wine."
"But there hain't none," responded the lad.
"Bring it, anyway. Any one can bring wine when there is wine, but it takes a smart boy to fetch it when there is n't any."
"Hi hain't smart henuff," said Buster.
"It is of no importance, Tom," said Brummell, graciously.
"Since when?" demanded Moore in surprise. "How is that, Sherry?"
"I never drink," said the elder man, waving aside the idea of alcoholic indulgence with a gesture of fine contempt.
"No?" asked the poet, wonderingly. "Oh, I suppose you have it rubbed into your skin by your valet."
At this moment Bessie, having finished setting the table, sat down in the chair pulled out for her by Sheridan and the Beau in gallant competition, and the supper began.