They were charmed. So much so, that out of sheer pleasure they began to eat too. The meal, if brief, was a merry one. Mr Rollitt took a special fancy to the Abernethys--a choice which of course put the shop- directors in an ecstasy. They only reproached themselves that they had not provided twelve instead of six. At length, partly because there was nothing left but lukewarm water and the toughest crusts of the cake, and partly because the guest's appetite was beginning to flag, the solid portion of the meal came to an end, and the social began. After sundry nudgings and whisperings and signals among the juniors, Wally filled up his cup with warm water and rose to his feet. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "I--you know--that is--shut up, young Cash, unless you want to do it--instead of me--it's this way, you see, you chaps: I sort of think we ought to drink the health of Rollitt's governor. He's a good old sort, and we're backing up old Rollitt. It wasn't a very grand spread. There'd have been some sardines if you'd come last week; but that greedy pig D'Arcy--" "Go on; it was _you_ finished them, three in two gulps," protested the outraged D'Arcy. "Look here, young D'Arcy," said Wally, seriously, "am I making this speech, or are you. If you don't shut up, I'll jolly well make you.--We hope you've liked it, and don't mind our drinking your health, you know. It'll be jolly when old Rollitt turns up. We'd ask you again to- morrow, you know, only the grub's run short. Therefore, I have much pleasure in proposing your health." The toast was drunk with acclamation, the party joining in "For he's a jolly good fellow," much to the alarm of the occupants of the neighbouring studies, who flocked out in the passage to see what the noise was about. Wally assured them there was no grub left, so they needn't hang about; but a good many of them remained all the same, to hear Mr Rollitt's speech.