When the sherry came up Mr.Glenthorpe told the young gentleman that it was a special wine sent down by his London wine merchants, and he asked Mr.Ronald what he thought of it.
Mr.Ronald said he thought it was an excellent dry wine.

The gentlemen didn't talk much during dinner, though Mr.Glenthorpe was a little upset about the partridges.

He said they had been cooked too dry.

He asked the young gentleman what he thought of them, but I don't know what he replied, for I was not watching his lips.
"Mr.Glenthorpe quite recovered himself by the time coffee was served, and was talking a lot about his researches in the neighbourhood.

It was very learned talk, but it seemed to interest Mr.Ronald, for he asked a number of questions.