_We_ can do nothing with such a man.

I can't understand how his lordship puts up with such a fellow.' 'Finds him useful, I suppose,' observed Mr.Sponge.
Spigot presently appeared with a massive silver salver, bearing tumblers, sugar, lemon, nutmeg, and other implements of negus.
'Will you join me in a little wine-and-water ?' asked Jawleyford, pointing to the apparatus and bottle ends, 'or will you have a fresh bottle ?--plenty in the cellar,' added he, with a flourish of his hand, though he kept looking steadfastly at the negus-tray.
'Oh--why--I'm afraid--I doubt--I think I should hardly be able to do justice to a bottle single-handed,' replied Sponge.

'Then have negus,' said Jawleyford; 'you'll find it very refreshing; medical men recommend it after violent exercise in preference to wine.

But pray have wine if you prefer it.' 'Ah--well, I'll finish off with a little negus, perhaps,' replied Sponge, adding, 'meanwhile the ladies, I dare say, would like a little wine.' 'The ladies drink white wine--sherry,' rejoined Jawleyford, determined to make a last effort to save his port.

'However, you can have a bottle of port to yourself, you know.' 'Very well,' said Sponge.
'One condition I must attach,' said Mr.Jawleyford, 'which is, that you _finish_ the bottle.