Both the men became talkative, if not good-humoured, under the effects of the brandy and water, and the Captain then communicated Mrs. Greenow's invitation to Mr. Cheesacre. He had had his doubts as to the propriety of doing so,--thinking that perhaps it might be to his advantage to forget the message. But he reflected that he was at any rate a match for Cheesacre when they were present together, and finally came to the conclusion that the message should be delivered. "I had to go and just wish her goodbye you know," he said apologetically, as he finished his little speech.
"I don't see that at all," said Cheesacre.
"Why, my dear fellow, how foolishly jealous you are. If I were to be downright uncivil to her, as you would have me be, it would only call attention to the thing."
"I'm not a bit jealous. A man who sits upon his own ground as I do hasn't any occasion to be jealous."
"I don't know what your own ground has to do with it,--but we'll let that pass."

Both the men became talkative under the effects of the brandy, and the Captain then gave Mrs. Greenow's invitation to Mr. Cheesacre. He had wondered whether to forget the message, but decided that it should be delivered.
"I had to go and just wish her goodbye, you know," he said apologetically.
"I don't see that at all," said Cheesacre.
"Why, my dear fellow, how foolishly jealous you are. If I were to be downright uncivil to her, it would only call attention to the thing."
"I'm not a bit jealous. A man who sits upon his own ground as I do hasn't any occasion to be jealous."
"I don't know what your own ground has to do with it."
