"If you would excuse my taking another glass of wine, miss, I think it might assist me in getting on without a continual choke that cannot fail to be mutually unpleasant." He did so, and came back again.

I took the opportunity of moving well behind my table.
"You wouldn't allow me to offer you one, would you miss ?" said Mr.
Guppy, apparently refreshed.
"Not any," said I.
"Not half a glass ?" said Mr.Guppy.

"Quarter?
No! Then, to proceed.
My present salary, Miss Summerson, at Kenge and Carboy's, is two pound a week.

When I first had the happiness of looking upon you, it was one fifteen, and had stood at that figure for a lengthened period.

A rise of five has since taken place, and a further rise of five is guaranteed at the expiration of a term not exceeding twelve months from the present date.