“Oh, dear, dear! How adwersity does change people!” said the lady, looking upwards.

“It’s the only thing ’twixt this and the doctor as shall change my condition,” muttered Mr. Weller.

“I really never saw a man so cross,” said the buxom female.

“Never mind. It’s all for my own good; vich is the reflection vith vich the penitent schoolboy comforted his feelin’s ven they flogged him,” rejoined the old gentleman.

The buxom female shook her head with a compassionate and sympathising air; and, appealing to Sam, inquired whether his father really ought not to make an effort to keep up, and not give way to that lowness of spirits.