He slipped up the bench with a bow and a smile to greet them.

"I am done!" he said to Marcella, as he took off his hat.

"My voice is gone, my mind ditto.

I shall drivel for half an hour and let them go.

Did you ever see such a stolid set ?" "You will rouse them," said Marcella.
Her eyes were animated, her colour high, and she took no account at all of his plea of weariness.
"You challenge me?
I must rouse them--that was what you came to see?
Is that it ?" She laughed and made no answer.