But he, alas! was out on his summer rounds with his whole magazine of clothes; no one article being left with his wife, except a great box-coat, such as is technically called a 'dreadnought,' for which it was presumed that no demand could possibly arise at this season of the year.
On this report being made, to the great astonishment of the waiter, Mr.
Jeremiah said, 'Well, then, let us have the dreadnought.

If the Fates ordain that I should go to the play in the dog-days apparelled in a dreadnought, let not me vainly think of resisting their decrees.' 'But,' said the waiter, shrugging his shoulders, 'the people----' 'The what ?' said Mr.Schnackenberger: 'the _people_--was it you said; the _people_?
Pray how many people do you reckon to a man?
No, Sir, do as I bid you; just bring me the dreadnought and a round hat.' The waiter obeyed: and, although the dreadnought was by one good ell too short, yet Mr.Jeremiah exulted in his strange apparel, because he flattered himself that in such a disguise he could preserve a strict incognito; with a view to which he also left Juno behind, recommending her to the vigilant attentions of the waiter..