'No, no,' says I, 'Hobson; Louisa's engaged nursing number eight'-- that's our number, sir.

The truth is, between you and me, sir, my missis won't come any more at no price.

She can't stand it; Mrs.
Newcome's dam patronising airs is enough to choke off anybody.

'Well, Hobson, my boy,' says I, 'a good dinner's a good dinner; and I'll come though Louisa won't, that is, can't.'" While Mr.Giles, who was considerably enlivened by claret, was discoursing thus candidly, his companion was thinking how he, Mr.
Arthur Pendennis, had been met that very afternoon on the steps of the Megatherium Club by Mr.Newcome, and had accepted that dinner which Mrs.
Giles, with more spirit, had declined.

Giles continued talking--"I'm an old stager, I am.