Mr. Jingle uttered a patronising “Hear, hear,” which was responded to by the remainder of the company; and the glasses having been filled, the vice-president assumed an air of wisdom in a state of profound attention; and said⁠—

“ Mr. Staple.”

“Sir,” said the little man, rising, “I wish to address what I have to say to you and not to our worthy chairman, because our worthy chairman is in some measure⁠—I may say in a great degree⁠—the subject of what I have to say, or I may say to⁠—to⁠—”

“State,” suggested Mr. Jingle.