I envied the condition of the wretch standing by the gallows with a noose around his neck.

After a brief pause, my tormentor continued "Do you recollect me ?" "No," said I, promptly; and glad of a chance to speak a little truth, I added, "To the best of my knowledge, I never saw you before in my life." "Ha! Ha! Ha!" My friend seemed greatly amused.

"Can it be that I have changed so much within a few short years?
You knew me well enough once, John, when I lived opposite your father's house.

I am Lewis Brown." And in a friendly, but somewhat patronizing manner, he held out his hand.
"Indeed," said I, grasping his proffered hand, "Lewis Brown! I never should have recognized you." "Yes," said Brown, "six years WILL make a change in one's appearance.
I should never have recognized you as John Lordick.

How is your sister, Bertha, and all the rest of the folks ?" "Well, quite well." "Whom did your sister marry ?" "She is not married yet," said I.
"Not married yet! Why, she must be at least twenty years old.