He had sounded Coates on the subject, but he unfortunately was engaged.

He had pressed Wyndham to come, but Wyndham was busy that evening with the library.

He had appealed to one or two other schoolhouse Limpets, but all, on hearing that the doctor and Co.

were to be present, respectfully declined.
Finally Brown dropped upon Telson, and condescendingly proposed to him to be present as one of his two friends.
Telson thought the matter over and fancied it promised well.

He liked the sound of the jellies and the tipsy-cake, and just at present he knew of no special reason for "funking" the doctor.