Bless me! I never thought of that before,--it's the reason you and I have got on so swimmingly,--is it not, now?
Certainly.

You think so?
Of course." "Of course,"-- sedately and gravely spoken.
Tom groaned, for, with a face kind and bright, he was yet no beauty; while if Surrey had one crowning gift in this day of fast youths and self-satisfied Young America, it was that of modesty with regard to himself and any gifts and graces nature had blessed him withal.
"Clara has a nice voice." "Very nice." "She is to sing, do you know ?" "I know." "Do you know when ?" No reply.
"She sings the next piece.

Are you ready to listen ?" "Ready." "Good Lord!" cried Tom, in despair, "the fellow has lost his wits.

He has turned parrot; he has done nothing but repeat my words for me since he sat here.

He's an echo." "Echo of nothingness ?" queried the parrot, smilingly.
"Ah, you've come to yourself, have you?
Capital! now stay awake.