“⁠—Hear me out!” cried Wegg. “I knew you was a-going to say so. But alone I bore the anxiety, and alone I’ll bear the blame!” This with an air of great magnanimity.

“No,” said Venus. “Let’s see this will and this box.”

“Do I understand, brother,” returned Wegg with considerable reluctance, “that it is your wish to see this will and this⁠—?”

Mr. Venus smote the table with his hand.

“⁠—Hear me out!” said Wegg. “Hear me out! I’ll go and fetch ’em.”