How comes it, Sir, eh ?" "Why, Uncle, you have explained the reason; it was exactly because she said I was dull that I was resolved to convict her in an untruth." "Well, now, there is some sense in that, boy; always contradict ill report by personal merit.

But what think you of her ladyship?
'Gad, you know what old Bellair said of Emilia.

'Make much of her: she's one of the best of your acquaintance.

I like her countenance and behaviour.
Well, she has a modesty not i' this age, a-dad she has.' Applicable enough; eh, boy ?" "'I know her value, Sir, and esteem her accordingly,'" answered I, out of the same play, which by dint of long study I had got by heart.

"But, to confess the truth," added I, "I think you might have left out the passage about her modesty." "There, now; you young chaps are so censorious; why, 'sdeath, sir, you don't think the worse of her virtue because of her wit ?" "Humph!" "Ah, boy! when you are my age, you'll know that your demure cats are not the best; and that reminds me of a little story; shall I tell it you, child ?" "If it so please you, Sir." "Zauns--where's my snuff-box ?--oh, here it is.