‘I am ready, your reverence,’ replied the landlord. And he forthwith proceeded to a cupboard, from which he produced a large china bowl, apparently filled with punch, and placed it with great care and solemnity in the centre of the table.
‘Why, it is water,’ exclaimed Randulph, gazing at the clear lymph, with which, on nearer inspection, he perceived the bowl was filled.
‘To be sure!’ cried Firebras; ‘and we are about to drink the king’s health—over the water. And now, gentlemen,’ he continued, filling Randulph’s glass and his own, ‘fill, I pray you, to the brim.’
‘I have filled, even to the summit of the vase,’ said Sir Norfolk, rising and holding up his glass.
‘And I,’ cried Sir Bulkeley, likewise rising.
‘And I,’ added the landlord, who stood next to the last-named baronet, and was allowed to join in the ceremony.
‘And I—and I,’ chimed Mr. Travers and the valet.
‘Then give the word, my son,’ said Verselyn, addressing Firebras.
‘With the greatest pleasure, father,’ replied Cardwell. And he held his glass over the bowl, while his example was imitated by all the others except Randulph. ‘Here is the king’s health “over the water.” Why don’t you do as we do?’ he added, turning to Randulph.