“What is he doing, Mr. Weller?” inquired Mr. Pickwick.

“He von’t begin, sir,” rejoined Mr. Weller; “he knows I ain’t ekal to ex-pressin’ myself ven there’s anythin’ partickler to be done, and yet he’ll stand and see me a-settin’ here taking up your walable time, and makin’ a reg’lar spectacle o’ myself, rayther than help me out vith a syllable. It ain’t filial conduct, Samivel,” said Mr. Weller, wiping his forehead; “wery far from it.”

“You said you’d speak,” replied Sam; “how should I know you wos done up at the wery beginnin’?”