“One, two⁠—hum⁠—five, six. You’ll want six,” said the dressmaker.

“There’s smart enough,” whimpered Mr. Fledgeby, groaning and writhing again, “for sixty.”

Miss Jenny repaired to the kitchen, scissors in hand, found the brown paper and found the vinegar, and skilfully cut out and steeped six large plasters. When they were all lying ready on the dresser, an idea occurred to her as she was about to gather them up.

“I think,” said Miss Jenny with a silent laugh, “he ought to have a little pepper? Just a few grains? I think the young man’s tricks and manners make a claim upon his friends for a little pepper?”