As already intimated, they were opposite in temperament--the former mild, mellow, fat, good-natured and of fine digestion, always seeing the bright side of anything; the other, splenetic, harsh, and when he swallowed anything was not sure whether he would be the death of it, or it would be the death of him.
No sooner had they taken their places opposite each other at the table than conversation opened.

As my wife was handing the tea over to Mr.Givemfits the latter broke out in a tirade against the weather.

He said that this winter was the most unbearable that had ever been known in the almanacs.
When it did not rain, it snowed; and when it was not mud, it was sleet.

At this point he turned around and coughed violently, and said that in such atmosphere it was impossible to keep clear of colds.

He thought he would go South.