I've been mentioned in the newspapers before now, haven't I?
Talk! I'll tell you what; if I found out that any man had been tampering with the affections of my daughter, I wouldn't talk.

I'd astonish him without talking; that's my way.' So saying, Mr Snevellicci struck the palm of his left hand three smart blows with his clenched fist; pulled a phantom nose with his right thumb and forefinger, and swallowed another glassful at a draught.

'That's my way,' repeated Mr Snevellicci.
Most public characters have their failings; and the truth is that Mr Snevellicci was a little addicted to drinking; or, if the whole truth must be told, that he was scarcely ever sober.

He knew in his cups three distinct stages of intoxication,--the dignified--the quarrelsome--the amorous.

When professionally engaged he never got beyond the dignified; in private circles he went through all three, passing from one to another with a rapidity of transition often rather perplexing to those who had not the honour of his acquaintance.
Thus Mr Snevellicci had no sooner swallowed another glassful than he smiled upon all present in happy forgetfulness of having exhibited symptoms of pugnacity, and proposed 'The ladies! Bless their hearts!' in a most vivacious manner.
'I love 'em,' said Mr Snevellicci, looking round the table, 'I love 'em, every one.' 'Not every one,' reasoned Mr Lillyvick, mildly.
'Yes, every one,' repeated Mr Snevellicci.
'That would include the married ladies, you know,' said Mr Lillyvick.
'I love them too, sir,' said Mr Snevellicci.
The collector looked into the surrounding faces with an aspect of grave astonishment, seeming to say, 'This is a nice man!' and appeared a little surprised that Mrs Lillyvick's manner yielded no evidences of horror and indignation.
'One good turn deserves another,' said Mr Snevellicci.