'It must be a matter of nearly two years since we were first acquainted.' 'Nearer three, I think,' said Trent.
'Nearer three!' cried Quilp.

'How fast time flies.

Does it seem as long as that to you, Mrs Quilp ?' 'Yes, I think it seems full three years, Quilp,' was the unfortunate reply.
'Oh indeed, ma'am,' thought Quilp, 'you have been pining, have you?
Very good, ma'am.' 'It seems to me but yesterday that you went out to Demerara in the Mary Anne,' said Quilp; 'but yesterday, I declare.

Well, I like a little wildness.

I was wild myself once.' Mr Quilp accompanied this admission with such an awful wink, indicative of old rovings and backslidings, that Mrs Jiniwin was indignant, and could not forbear from remarking under her breath that he might at least put off his confessions until his wife was absent; for which act of boldness and insubordination Mr Quilp first stared her out of countenance and then drank her health ceremoniously.
'I thought you'd come back directly, Fred.