If every man were as punctual as you are, the world would go like clock-work; wouldn't it ?" "Business is business, Mr Vavasor," said the publican, after having made his salute, and having taken his chair with some little show of mock modesty.

"That's my maxim.

If I didn't stick to that, nothing wouldn't ever stick to me; and nothing doesn't much as it is.

Times is very bad, Mr Vavasor." "Of course they are.

They're always bad.