“Dear me, Mr. Weller,” said the pretty housemaid, meeting Sam at the door.

“Dear me I vish it vos, my dear,” replied Sam, dropping behind, to let his master get out of hearing. “Wot a sweet-lookin’ creetur you are, Mary!”

“Lor’, Mr. Weller, what nonsense you do talk!” said Mary. “Oh! don’t , Mr. Weller.”

“Don’t what, my dear?” said Sam.