At the same time I caught the eye of the postmaster.

He was long and lean, and brown and bilious; he had the drooping nose of the humourist, and the quick attention of a man of parts.

He read my embarrassment in a glance, stepped instantly forward, sent the post-boy to the rightabout with half a word, and was back next moment at my side.
'Dinner in a private room, sir?
Very well.

John, No.

4! What wine would you care to mention?
Very well, sir.