“Thank’ee.” Mr. Winkle emptied his glass, and placed the bottle on the coach-box, by his side.

“Will you permit me to have the pleasure, Sir?” said Mr. Trundle to Mr. Winkle.

“With great pleasure,” replied Mr. Winkle to Mr. Trundle, and then the two gentlemen took wine, after which they took a glass of wine round, ladies and all.

“How dear Emily is flirting with the strange gentleman,” whispered the spinster aunt, with true spinster-aunt-like envy, to her brother, Mr. Wardle.