“Well! I haven’t got to keep it warm,” Mr. Wegg made answer, in a sort of desperation occasioned by the singularity of the question.

“He hasn’t,” repeated the other to his knotted stick, as he gave it a hug; “he hasn’t got⁠—ha!⁠—ha!⁠—to keep it warm! Did you ever hear of the name of Boffin?”

“No,” said Mr. Wegg, who was growing restive under this examination. “I never did hear of the name of Boffin.”

“Do you like it?”

“Why, no,” retorted Mr. Wegg, again approaching desperation; “I can’t say I do.”

“Why don’t you like it?”