“Sir,” returned Venus, “I again accept the altered phrase, and with pleasure. The lady is a going to give her ’and where she has already given her ’art, next Monday.”

“Then the lady’s objection has been met?” said Silas.

“ Mr. Wegg,” said Venus, “as I did name to you, I think, on a former occasion, if not on former occasions⁠—”

“On former occasions,” interrupted Wegg.