I very well understand that the Wychecombes of Hertfordshire have no claims on us; nor, indeed, any Wychecombe who is not descended from my respectable grandfather, the late Sir Wycherly." "He must have been an _early_, instead of a _late_ Sir Wycherly, rather, Mr.Thomas," put in Dutton, laughing at his own conceit; "for I can remember no other than the honourable baronet before us, in the last fifty years." "Quite true, Dutton--very true," rejoined the person last alluded to.
"As true as that 'time and tide wait for no man.' We understand the meaning of such things on the coast here.

It was half a century, last October, since I succeeded my respected parent; but, it will not be another half century before some one will succeed me!" Sir Wycherly was a hale, hearty man for his years, but he had no unmanly dread of his end.

Still he felt it could not be very distant, having already numbered fourscore and four years.

Nevertheless, there were certain phrases of usage, that Dutton did not see fit to forget on such an occasion, and he answered accordingly, turning to look at and admire the still ruddy countenance of the baronet, by way of giving emphasis to his words.
"You will yet see half of us into our graves, Sir Wycherly," he said, "and still remain an active man.

Though I dare say another half century will bring most of us up.