“Many fine women in this town, do you know, Sir?” inquired Mr. Tupman, with great interest.

“Splendid⁠—capital. Kent, sir⁠—everybody knows Kent⁠—apples, cherries, hops, and women. Glass of wine, Sir!”

“With great pleasure,” replied Mr. Tupman. The stranger filled, and emptied.

“I should very much like to go,” said Mr. Tupman, resuming the subject of the ball, “very much.”

“Tickets at the bar, Sir,” interposed the waiter; “half-a-guinea each, Sir.”