. . .I said, before the ladies and the two big servants—upon my word I did—“Sir,” says I, “this kind old lady asked me into her carriage, and I rode in it to please her, not myself.  When you came up and asked who the devil I was, I thought you might have put the question in a more polite manner; but it wasn’t my business to speak.  When, by way of a joke, you invited me to dinner, I thought I would answer in a joke too, and here I am.  But don’t be frightened; I’m not a-going to dine with you: only if you play the same joke upon other parties—on some of the chaps in our office, for example—I recommend you to have a care, or they will take you at your word.”

“Is that all, sir?” says Mr. Preston, still in a rage.  “If you have done, will you leave this house, or shall my servants turn you out?  Turn out this fellow! do you hear me?” and he broke away from me, and flung in. . . Read More