“Well,” said Mr. Weller, with the tears still running down his cheeks, “it ’ud ha’ been a wery great accommodation to me if I could ha’ done it, and ’ud ha’ saved a good many vords atween your mother-in-law and me, sometimes; but I’m afeerd you’re right, Sammy, it’s too much in the appleplexy line⁠—a deal too much, Samivel.”

This conversation brought them to the door of the snuggery, into which Sam⁠—pausing for an instant to look over his shoulder, and cast a sly leer at his respected progenitor, who was still giggling behind⁠—at once led the way.

“Mother-in-law,” said Sam, politely saluting the lady, “wery much obliged to you for this here wisit.⁠—Shepherd, how air you?”

“Oh, Samuel!” said Mrs. Weller. “This is dreadful.”