But, at all events, you're coming to dine with me to-night." "Am I ?" I asked, smiling.
"Rather!" said he.

"My time here is short enough.

I don't lose sight of you again between this and midnight." "It's most awfully good of you," said I again.
"Wait till you see! You'll find it rough enough at my place; all my retainers are out for the day at a local show." "Then I certainly shall not give you the trouble." He interrupted me with his jovial laugh.
"My good fellow," he cried, "that's the fun of it! How do you suppose I've been spending the day?
Told you I was going to Lancaster, did I?
Well, I've been cooking our dinner instead--laying the table--getting up the wines--never had such a joke! Give you my word, I almost forgot I was in the wilderness!" "So you're quite alone, are you ?" "Yes; as much so as that other beggar who was monarch of all he surveyed, his right there was none to dispute, from the what-is-it down to the glade--" "I'll come," said I, as we reached the cottage.

"Only first you must let me make myself decent." "You're decent enough!" "My boots are wet; my hands--" "All serene! I'll give you five minutes." And I left him outside, flourishing a handsome watch, while, on my way upstairs, I paused to tell Mrs.Braithwaite that I was dining at the hall.

She was busy cooking, and I felt prepared for her unpleasant expression; but she showed no annoyance at my news.