Ensign Luby. Ay, do, do—you’ll not find me like Mr. Trotter, who marched off yesterday without waiting for his.
Several. What! is Trotter off?
President. Yes: and in a very ungentlemanly way too. I knew he couldn’t stand the follies he gave way to—out every night until three, and never sober.
Ensign Newly. I think, Mr. President, as I am a member of the same corps to which Trotter belongs, you have shown no great proof of taste in mentioning his name so disrespectfully before me.
President. Mr. Newly, I speak of Mr. Trotter as I think he deserves: he may be very honourable, but I think he outran his means, and thereby his honour also.
Several voices (in confusion.) Certainly, d—d dishonourable conduct.
Ensign Luby. Come, lads, hear me: I know Trotter a little; he is a good young fellow; but somewhat too free with his cash; he does not know how to keep it, when he gets it from home. I do not like to see disputes here,—God knows we have enough of them: last night we were all made unpleasant by two gentlemen contending that one’s facings were handsomer than the other’s, and the day before we were thrown into confusion by an argument between two young gentlemen about superior rank and services—both not yet two months in the army. Come, I say—Trotter owes his wine-bill: and for the best of reasons—he had not money enough left to pay it out of seventy pounds sent by his father; because, you see, he played Hell and Tommy (as the phrase goes): so I’ll tell you what—I will pay it myself—ay, or any other friend’s wine-bill; for, as I said before, I touched a fifty to-day.
President. If I am wrong, Gentlemen, I’ll appeal to the voice of the company.
All. No! no! It’s all right. Sit down—sit down.
Ensign Luby. Bring in the wine quicker, you Glundy—dy’ hear, d—n ye!