Give him no time, answer no questions.

Be all in a rush, as you so generally are.

I would do it myself, but I am too well known.

Say, will you undertake it?
It will be a fine joke for you." About half an hour after this, the Lord-Lieutenant having hammered on the table with an empty bottle, stood up to propose the chief toast of the evening--the gallant crew of the Leda, and the bold sailors of Springhaven.

His lordship had scarcely had a bottle and a half, and was now in the prime of his intellect.