'It's the only thing 'twixt this and the doctor as shall change my

condition,' muttered Mr Weller.

I really never saw a man so cross,' said the buxom female.

Never mind. It's all for my own good; vich is the reflection vith vich

the penitent school-boy comforted his feelin's ven they flogged him,'

rejoined the old gentleman.

The buxom female shook her head with a compassionate and

sympathising air; and, appealing to Sam, inquired whether his father

really ought not to make an effort to keep up, and not give way to that

lowness of spirits.

'You see, Mr Samuel,' said the buxom female, 'as I was telling him

yesterday, he will feel lonely, he can't expect but what he should, sir,

but he should keep up a good heart, because, dear me, I'm sure we all

pity his loss, and are ready to do anything for him; and there's no

situation in life so bad, Mr Samuel, that it can't be mended. Which is

what a very worthy person said to me when my husband died.' Here

the speaker, putting her hand before her mouth, coughed again, and

looked affectionately at the elder Mr Weller.

As I don't rekvire any o' your conversation just now, mum, vill you

have the goodness to re-tire?' inquired Mr Weller, in a grave and

steady voice.

Well, Mr Weller,' said the buxom female, 'I'm sure I only spoke to you

out of kindness.'

Wery likely, mum,' replied Mr Weller. 'Samivel, show the lady out, and

shut the door after her.'

This hint was not lost upon the buxom female; for she at once left the

room, and slammed the door behind her, upon which Mr Weller,

senior, falling back in his chair in a violent perspiration, said -

Sammy, if I wos to stop here alone vun week - only vun week, my boy

that 'ere 'ooman 'ud marry me by force and wiolence afore it was

over.'

Wot! is she so wery fond on you?' inquired Sam.

Fond!' replied his father. 'I can't keep her avay from me. If I was

locked up in a fireproof chest vith a patent Brahmin, she'd find means

to get at me, Sammy.'

'Wot a thing it is to be so sought arter!' observed Sam, smiling.

The Pickwick Papers