“Yes, sir,” returns Venus, “all! The world may deem it harsh, but I’d quite as soon pitch into my best friend as not. Indeed, I’d sooner!”

Involuntarily making a pass with his wooden leg to guard himself as Mr. Venus springs up in the emphasis of this unsociable declaration, Mr. Wegg tilts over on his back, chair and all, and is rescued by that harmless misanthrope, in a disjointed state and ruefully rubbing his head.

“Why, you lost your balance, Mr. Wegg,” says Venus, handing him his pipe.

“And about time to do it,” grumbles Silas, “when a man’s visitors, without a word of notice, conduct themselves with the sudden wiciousness of Jacks-in-boxes! Don’t come flying out of your chair like that, Mr. Venus!”