"Pass round the wine," hailed the baron, "and drink to the health of the ladies of Haddon Hall."
"Hurrah!" vociferously replied the guests, "to the health of the ladies of Haddon."
"But stay; what's the matter with Master Manners?" asked De la Zouch, whose eagle eye had discovered that HIS tankard was not upraised with the rest. "A discourteous guest, upon my troth."
"May I drink it in water?" asked Manners, as he felt the eyes of his host fixed sternly upon him.
"Nay, you must have the wine, sir," replied Sir George, "but whether it goes down your throat or your arm makes little matter," and as he spoke he pointed to the iron ring fastened in the door post ready for such contingencies.
"I suppose the arm must have it, then," he replied, "for I am sworn to taste no wine until I have performed a solemn vow."
"Waste good wine!" exclaimed De Lacey, as he gazed in blank astonishment at the speaker; "what a pity."
"Have you forsworn ale too?" asked Dorothy.
"No, only wine, sweet demoiselle," replied Manners, smiling as he caught the drift of the question.
"Then fill his glass with ale," commanded Doll, "and drink the toast without delay."