I have often heard from those who know, that they have been, time out of mind, the failings of our family; and I believe there's some truth in it.

But I can't say of my own knowledge.

All I have to do, you know, is to be very thankful that they haven't descended to me, and, to be very careful that I don't contract 'em.' 'To be sure,' said Mr Pinch.

'Very proper.' 'Well, sir,' resumed Martin, stirring the fire once more, and drawing his chair still closer to it, 'his selfishness makes him exacting, you see; and his obstinacy makes him resolute in his exactions.

The consequence is that he has always exacted a great deal from me in the way of respect, and submission, and self-denial when his wishes were in question, and so forth.