“I thought not.” Here the dirty-faced man fell into ecstasies of mirth at his own retort, in which he was joined by a man of bland voice and placid countenance, who always made it a point to agree with everybody.

“Women, after all, gentlemen,” said the enthusiastic Mr. Snodgrass, “are the great props and comforts of our existence.”

“So they are,” said the placid gentleman.

“When they’re in a good humour,” interposed the dirty-faced man.

“And that’s very true,” said the placid one.