"He is a Collector of Customs, is he not?
Do you think he would recite any of his verses to me ?" "By the hour.

But I shouldn't advise you to ask him.

It's all about my sister." "Which ?" "The eldest there--Sophy's her name--and don't judge from appearances; the family diet is not hardware." "Hush, sir! you must not be rude.

That reminds me that I ought to go and speak to them." "You won't get anything out of them.

If you want a subject, though, I'll give you the straight tip--lambs.