"I spoke quite clearly and you seemed to understand." "You are right," replied Sir Alexander; "to waste time is useless." He wheeled round on Woodden, who was standing near the door still holding the paper-wrapped plant in front of him.

"Now, Blockhead," he shouted, "tell me why you brought that thing." Woodden made no answer, only rocked a little.

Sir Alexander reiterated his command.

This time Woodden set the plant upon a table and replied: "If you're aspeaking to me, sir, that baint my name, and what's more, if you calls me so again, I'll punch your head, whoever you be," and very deliberately he rolled up the sleeves on his brawny arms, a sight at which I too began to swell with inward merriment.
"Look here, father," said Mr.Stephen, stepping forward.

"What's the use of all this?
The thing's perfectly plain.