"But if it _is_ your mother, send her about her business." "That I will," replied Jack, "in the twinkling of a bedpost." "Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs.Sheppard," roared Blueskin, who anticipated some fun.

"Come and sit down by me." "Take a glass of gin, Ma'am," cried Poll Maggot, holding up a bottle of spirit; "it used to be your favourite liquor, I've heard." "Jack, my love," cried Mrs.Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, "come away." "Not I," replied Jack; "I'm too comfortable where I am.

Be off!" "Jack!" exclaimed his unhappy parent.
"Mr.Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am," interrupted the lad; "I allow nobody to call me Jack.

Do I, Bess, eh ?" "Nobody whatever, love," replied Edgeworth Bess; "nobody but me, dear." "And me," insinuated Mrs.Maggot.

"My little fancy man's quite as fond of me as of you, Bess.