“Oh dear no, partner,” retorted Venus. “That’s a mistake. I am. Now look here, Mr. Wegg. I don’t want to have any words with you, and still less do I want to have any anatomical pursuits with you.”

“What do you mean?” said Wegg, quickly.

“I mean, partner,” replied Venus, slowly, “that it’s hardly possible for a man to feel in a more amiable state towards another man than I do towards you at this present moment. But I am on my own ground, I am surrounded by the trophies of my art, and my tools is very handy.”

“What do you mean, Mr. Venus?” asked Wegg again.