"No, I am much obliged to you, miss, I'm sure. I've everything that I can require to make me comfortable--at least I--not comfortable--I'm never that." He drank off two more glasses of wine, one after another.
I thought I had better go.
"I beg your pardon, miss!" said Mr. Guppy, rising when he saw me rise. "But would you allow me the favour of a minute's private conversation?"
Not knowing what to say, I sat down again.
"What follows is without prejudice, miss?" said Mr. Guppy, anxiously bringing a chair towards my table.

"No, I am much obliged to you, miss, I'm sure. I've everything that I can require to make me comfortable - at least - not comfortable - I'm never that." He drank off two glasses of wine, one after another. I thought I had better go.
"I beg your pardon, miss!" said Mr. Guppy, rising. "But would you allow me the favour of a minute's private conversation?"
Not knowing what to say, I sat down again.
"What follows is without prejudice, miss?" said Mr. Guppy anxiously.
