In the course of half an hour, Mr.Jollyboy drew from Mrs.Grumbit as much about her private affairs as he could, without appearing rude.

But he found the old lady very close and sensitive on that point.

Not so, however, when he got her upon the subject of her nephew.

She had enough, and more than enough, to say about him.

It is true she began by remarking, sadly, that he was a very bad boy; but, as she continued to talk about him, she somehow or other gave her visitor the impression that he was a very _good_ boy! They had a wonderfully long and confidential talk about Martin, during which Mr.Jollyboy struck Mrs.Grumbit nearly dumb with horror by stating positively what he would do for the boy,--he would send him to sea! Then, seeing that he had hit the wrongest possible nail on the head, he said that he would make the lad a clerk in his office, where he would be sure to rise to a place of trust; whereat Mrs.Grumbit danced, if we may so speak, into herself for joy.
"And now, ma'am, about these stockings.