He turned away and drew a long breath, and you may be sure I was quick to follow his example.
'You're a cool hand at least, and that's the sort I like,' said he.

'Be you what you please, I'll deal square.

I'll take the chaise for a hundred pound down, and throw the dinner in.' 'I beg your pardon,' I cried, wholly mystified by this form of words.
'You pay me a hundred down,' he repeated, 'and I'll take the chaise.
It's very little more than it cost,' he added, with a grin, 'and you know you must get it off your hands somehow.' I do not know when I have been better entertained than by this impudent proposal.

It was broadly funny, and I suppose the least tempting offer in the world.

For all that, it came very welcome, for it gave me the occasion to laugh.