Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/298

282, knowing that your nephew's prices are thirty per cent., at least, above the market.

Griskin. That's being rather nice, I should say, Mr. Turnstile. My nephew is as good a lad as ever stood in shoe-leather; and has six good wotes in Shoreditch,—and, as to myself, Mr. Turnstile, I must say that, after all I did at your election—and in such wery hot weather—I did not expect you'd be so wery particular about a small matter.—Sir, I wish you a good morning.

Turnstile. (Bowing and looking after him.) So this fellow, like the rest of them, thinks that I am to do his jobs, and to neglect my own. And this is your reformed Parliament.

Smooth. (Taking both hands). My dear Tripes, how d'ye do?—Pray, how is your good lady?—What a jolly party at your house last night! and Mrs. Tripes, I hope, is none the worse for it?

Tripes. Oh dear sir, no! Mrs. Tripes and my daughters were so pleased with your Scotch singing.

Smooth. And your boys, how are they?—fine, promising, active fellows.—You've heard from MacLeech?

Tripes. Just received the note as I left home.

Smooth. All is quite right, you see, your cousin has the appointment at the Cape. I knew MacLeech was just the man for the details. A ship, I find, is to sail in about three weeks; and (significantly) I don't think your cousin need be very scrupulous about freight and passage.

Tripes. You are too good, Mr. Smooth. I'm sure if anything that I can do,—my sense of all your kindness——