And now I'll shake hands." Here followed sounds of coughing and choking, and he resumed in feeble gasping sentences, "Thank ye, my dear; I've brought up the two guineas, but you've a-made me swallow my quid o' baccy.

Hows'ever, you meant it for the best.

And that's what I had a mind to say to ye all." His voice grew firmer--"You're a pleasant lot, and we've spent the time very lively and sociable, and you done this here last service to Bill in a way that brings tears to my eyes.
Still, if you won't mind my saying it, a little of ye lasts a long time, and I'm going home to live clean.

So here's wishing all well, and good-bye!" Not one of the party seemed to resent this dismissal.

The women laughed hilariously and called him a darling.