"You have bought this wonderful wine, of course ?" he said satirically.
"That," Mountjoy answered, "is just what I have done." For once in his life, Mr.Vimpany's self-sufficient readiness of speech failed him.

He stared at his guest in dumb amazement.

On this occasion, Mountjoy improved the opportunity to good purpose.

Mr.Vimpany accepted with the utmost readiness an invitation to dine on the next day at the inn.

But he made a condition.