Therefore, I made no remark on Joe's first head; merely saying as to his second, that the tidings had indeed come suddenly, but that I had always wanted to be a gentleman, and had often and often speculated on what I would do, if I were one.
"Have you though ?" said Joe.

"Astonishing!" "It's a pity now, Joe," said I, "that you did not get on a little more, when we had our lessons here; isn't it ?" "Well, I don't know," returned Joe.

"I'm so awful dull.

I'm only master of my own trade.

It were always a pity as I was so awful dull; but it's no more of a pity now, than it was--this day twelvemonth--don't you see ?" What I had meant was, that when I came into my property and was able to do something for Joe, it would have been much more agreeable if he had been better qualified for a rise in station.