“No, it can hardly be said that I have tried it,” replies Wegg, a little dashed by the hint. “I have just skimmed it. Skimmed it.”

“And found nothing besides the difficulties?”

Wegg shakes his head.

“I scarcely know what to say to this, Mr. Wegg,” observes Venus, after ruminating for a while.

“Say yes,” Wegg naturally urges.

“If I wasn’t soured, my answer would be No. But being soured, Mr. Wegg, and driven to reckless madness and desperation, I suppose it’s Yes.”