“And yet, sir,” he pursues, “being acquainted with old Mr. Harmon, one would have thought it might have been polite in you, too, to give him a call. And you’re naturally of a polite disposition, you are.” This last clause as a softening compliment to Mr. Venus.

“It is true, sir,” replies Venus, winking his weak eyes, and running his fingers through his dusty shock of hair, “that I was so, before a certain observation soured me. You understand to what I allude, Mr. Wegg? To a certain written statement respecting not wishing to be regarded in a certain light. Since that, all is fled, save gall.”

“Not all,” says Mr. Wegg, in a tone of sentimental condolence.