Their dinner they ate almost in silence--unless when they abused the cook, or made to each other some pithy suggestion as to the expediency of this or that delicacy--bearing always steadily in view the cost as well as desirability of the viands.

Boodle had no shame in not having this or that because it was dear.

To dine with the utmost luxury at the smallest expense was a proficiency belonging to him, and of which he was very proud.
But after a while the cloth was gone, and the heads of the two men were brought near together over the small table.

Boodle did not speak a word till his brother captain had told his story, had pointed out all the advantages to be gained, explained in what peculiar way the course lay open to himself, and made the whole thing clear to his friend's eye.
"They say she's been a little queer, don't they ?" said the friendly counsellor.
"Of course people talk, you know." "Talk, yes; they're talking a doosed sight, I should say.

There's no mistake about the money, I suppose ?" "Oh, none," said Archie, shaking his head vigorously.