I want two thousand pairs as soon as I can get them!" "Sir ?" said Mrs.Grumbit.
"Of course, not for my own use, ma'am; nor for the use of my family, for I have no family; and if I had, that would be an unnecessarily large supply.

The fact is, Mrs.Grumbit, I am a merchant, and I send very large supplies of home-made articles to foreign lands, and two thousand pairs of socks are a mere driblet.

Of course I do not expect you to make them all for me, but I wish you to make as many pairs as you can." "I shall be very happy--" began Mrs.Grumbit.
"But, Mrs.Grumbit, there is a peculiar formation which I require in my socks that will give you extra trouble, I fear; but I must have it, whatever the additional expense may be.

What is your charge for the pair you are now making ?" "Three shillings," said Mrs.Grumbit.
"Ah! very good.

Now, take up the wires if you please, ma'am, and do what I tell you.