396 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
tleman in a yellow waistcoat, with a coach trimming border, whispered a neighbour in green foil smalls, that Tuckle was in spirits to-night.
" By the by," said Mr. Tuckle, *' Smauker, my boy, you"
The remainder of the sentence was forwarded into Mr. John Smauker's ear, by whisper.
" Oh, dear me, I quite forgot," said Mr. John Smauker. *^ Gentle- men, my friend Mr. Weller/'
" Sorry to keep the fire off you, Weller,*' said Mr. Tuckle, with a familiar nod. " Hope you're not cold, Weller."
- ' Not by no means, blazes," replied Sam. '^ It 'ud be a wery chilly
subject as felt cold ven you stood opposit. You'd save coals if they put you behind the fender in the vatin' room at a public office, you would."
As this retort appeared to convey rather a personal allusion to Mr. Tuckle's crimson livery, that gentleman looked majestic for a few se- conds, but gradually edging away from the fire, broke into a forced smile, and said it wasn't bad.
- ' Wery much obliged for your good opinion. Sir," replied Sam. *' We
shall get on by degrees, I des-say. We'll try a better one, by and by."
At this point the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a gentleman in orange-coloured plush, accompanied by another selection in purple cloth, with a great extent of stocking. The new comers having been welcomed by the old ones, Mr. Tuckle put the question that supper be ordered in, which was carried unanimously.
The greengrocer and his wife then arranged upon the table a boiled leg of mutton, hot, with caper sauce, turnips, and potatoes. Mr. Tuckle took the chair, and was supported at the other end of the board by the gentleman in orange plush. The greengrocer put on a pair of wash- leather gloves to hand the plates with, and stationed himself behind Mr. Tuckle's chair.
" Harris," said Mr. Tuckle, in a commanding tone.
'* Sir," said the greengrocer.
- ' Have you got your gloves on ?"
« Yes, Sir."
" Then take the kiver off."
« Yes, Sir."
The greengrocer did as he was told, with a show of great humility, and obsequiously handed Mr. Tuckle the carving knife ; in doing which, he accidentally gaped.
" What do you mean by that. Sir ?" said Mr. Tuckle, with great asperity.
" I beg your pardon. Sir," replied the crest-fallen greengrocer, " I didn't mean to do it, Sir ; I was up very late last night. Sir."
" I tell you what my opinion of you is, Harris," said Mr. Tuckle, with a most impressive air, " you're a wulgar beast."
" I hope, gentlemen," said Harris, " that you w«m't be severe with me, gentlemen. I'm very much obliged to you indeed, gentlemen, for
