Then another would say that "after she was married there
would be none of the _Kettle_ left," and the next wit would say,
"And none of the '_tin_' either," and so the badinage would pass
about.
It made no difference what the subject was, it was always suggestive.
If it was a dog, they would ask, "What kind of a _bark_ he had on
him?" If it was a pump, "Is it _well_ with it?" If it was a
shepherd, they would like to inquire "if he was not a _baa_-
keeper?" and the first would reply that he would have to "ruminate" on
it before he made his answer; and the second would hope his reply would
be "_spirited_; if not he had better be _punched_ up."
"Have you seen my umbrella?" asked one. "What sort of an umbrella was
it?" was the inquiry. "It had a hooked end," said number one. "I have
not seen it," was the reply, "but _I_ had a nice one once, and the
end was _exactly_ like yours; it was _hooked!_"
Passing a rosy-cheeked, unkempt boy, Miss--remarked to her friend,
"Isn't he a little honey?" "Yes," she replied, struck by his traits,
"honey without a _comb!_"
"Do you not think Miss B. is beautiful? She bows to perfection." "Yes;
but she hasn't bowed to me. Has she to _you?_"
"Who are those girls out in the boat with the old man?" (The name of
the boat was "the Dart.
Pages:
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229