“No, Sammy,” replied Mr. Weller, again looking thoughtfully at the fire. “I was in a referee, Sammy.”

“Wot about?” inquired Sam, drawing his chair up to the fire.

“In a referee, Sammy,” replied the elder Mr. Weller, “regarding her , Samivel.” Here Mr. Weller jerked his head in the direction of Dorking churchyard, in mute explanation that his words referred to the late Mrs. Weller.