I do not recollect a word that passed after I quitted the dinner-table." "Are you serious?
Do you not recollect the scene with Mrs Sullivan ?" "Mrs Sullivan! My dear sir, what scene?
I certainly paid every attention due to a very pretty woman; but I recollect no further." "Not the scene in the drawing-room ?" "God bless me!--No--I do not even recollect ever going into the drawing-room! Pray tell me what I said or did: I hope nothing improper." "Why, that depends very much whether the lady likes it or not; but in the presence of so many people--" "Merciful powers! Captain Carrington, pray let me know at once what folly it was that I committed." "Why, really, I am almost ashamed to enter into particulars: suffice to say, that you used most unwarrantable freedom towards her." "Is it possible ?" cried the colonel.

"Now, Captain Carrington, are you not joking ?" "Ask this gentleman; he was present." The assertion of the captain was immediately corroborated, and the colonel was quite aghast.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, I will run immediately--that abominable wine.

I must go and make a most ample apology.

I am bound to do it, as a gentleman, as an officer, and as a man of honour." Captain Carrington and his confederate quitted the room, satisfied with the success of their plot.

The colonel rose, and soon afterwards made his appearance.