I was formed for society, I was.' 'That's rather a pity, an't it ?' said the man.
'No,' answered Dennis, 'I'm not aware that it is.

Why should it be a pity, brother ?' 'Oh! I don't know,' said the man carelessly.

'I thought that was what you meant.

Being formed for society, and being cut off in your flower, you know--' 'I say,' interposed the other quickly, 'what are you talking of?
Don't.
Who's a-going to be cut off in their flowers ?' 'Oh, nobody particular.

I thought you was, perhaps,' said the man.
Mr Dennis wiped his face, which had suddenly grown very hot, and remarking in a tremulous voice to his conductor that he had always been fond of his joke, followed him in silence until he stopped at a door.
'This is my quarters, is it ?' he asked facetiously.
'This is the shop, sir,' replied his friend.
He was walking in, but not with the best possible grace, when he suddenly stopped, and started back.
'Halloa!' said the officer.