“ Mr. Pell, Sir,” said the elder Mr. Weller, stirring a glass of brandy-and-water, of which one was placed before every gentleman when the oyster shells were removed⁠—“ Mr. Pell, Sir, it wos my intention to have proposed the funs on this occasion, but Samivel has vispered to me⁠—”

Here Mr. Samuel Weller, who had silently eaten his oysters with tranquil smiles, cried, “Hear!” in a very loud voice.

“⁠—Has vispered to me,” resumed his father, “that it vould be better to dewote the liquor to vishin’ you success and prosperity, and thankin’ you for the manner in which you’ve brought this here business through. Here’s your health, sir.”

“Hold hard there,” interposed the mottled-faced gentleman, with sudden energy; “your eyes on me, gen’l’m’n!”