Faith, boy, never smile! Od's fish, I'll tell you a story as _a propos_ to the present occasion as if it had been made on purpose.

Rochester and I and Sedley were walking one day, and--_entre nous_--awaiting certain appointments--hem!--for my part I was a little melancholy or so, thinking of my catastrophe,--that is, of my play's catastrophe; and so, said Sedley, winking at Rochester, 'Our friend is sorrowful.' 'Truly,' said I, seeing they were about to banter me,--for you know they were arch fellows,--'truly, little Sid' (we called Sedley Sid), 'you are greatly mistaken;'-- you see, Morton, I was thus sharp upon him because when you go to court you will discover that it does not do to take without giving.

And then Rochester said, looking roguishly towards me, the wittiest thing against Sedley that ever I heard; it was the most celebrated _bon mot_ at court for three weeks; he said--no, boy, od's fish, it was so stinging I can't tell it thee; faith, I can't.
Poor Sid; he was a good fellow, though malicious,--and he's dead now.
I'm sorry I said a word about it.

Nay, never look so disappointed, boy.
You have all the cream of the story as it is.

And now put on your hat, and come with me.