“Well; will you know me again?” said Mr. Smangle, with a frown.

“I’d svear to you anyveres, Sir,” replied Sam cheerfully.

“Don’t be impertinent to a gentleman, Sir,” said Mr. Smangle.

“Not on no account,” replied Sam. “If you’ll tell me wen he wakes, I’ll be upon the wery best extra-super behaviour!” This observation, having a remote tendency to imply that Mr. Smangle was no gentleman, kindled his ire.

“Mivins!” said Mr. Smangle, with a passionate air.

“What’s the office?” replied that gentleman from his couch.