Margaret's churchyard, near
Westminster Abbey. Of this, no doubt, Cat was thinking; but what
could she mean by whispering to Wood, "No, no! for God's sake, not
tonight!"
"She means we are to have no more liquor," said Wood to Mr. Hayes;
who heard this sentence, and seemed rather alarmed.
"That's it,--no more liquor," said Catherine eagerly; "you have had
enough to-night. Go to bed, and lock your door, and sleep, Mr.
Hayes."
"But I say I've NOT had enough drink!" screamed Hayes; "I'm good for
five bottles more, and wager I will drink them too."
"Done, for a guinea!" said Wood.
"Done, and done!" said Billings.
"Be YOU quiet!" growled Hayes, scowling at the lad. "I will drink
what I please, and ask no counsel of yours." And he muttered some
more curses against young Billings, which showed what his feelings
were towards his wife's son; and which the latter, for a wonder,
only received with a scornful smile, and a knowing look at Wood.
Well! the five extra bottles were brought, and drunk by Mr. Hayes;
and seasoned by many songs from the recueil of Mr. Thomas d'Urfey
and others. The chief part of the talk and merriment was on Hayes's
part; as, indeed, was natural,--for, while he drank bottle after
bottle of wine, the other two gentlemen confined themselves to small
beer,--both pleading illness as an excuse for their sobriety.
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