spoilt aneoiisl}^ into eruptions of grease and blotches of beer, the lega
triumvirate appease their appetites.
Mr. Jobling is buttoned up closer than mere adoniment might require.
His hat presents at the rims a peculiar appearance of a glistening nature,
as if it had been a favorite snail-promenade. The same phenomenon is
visible on some parts of his coat, and particularly at the seams. He has
the faded appearance of a gentleman in embarrassed circumstances ; even
his light whiskers droop with something of a shabby air.
His appetite is so vigorous, that it suggests spare li^nng for some little
time back. He makes such a speedy end of his plate of veal and ham,
bringing it to a close while his companions are yet midway in theirs,
that Mr. Guppy proposes another. *' Thank you, Guppy," says Mr. Jobling,
" I really don't know but what I will take another."
Another being brought, he falls to with great good will.
]£r. Guppy takes silent notice of him at intervals, until he is half way
through this second plate and stops to take an enjoying jHdl at his pint
pot of half-and-half (also renewed), and stretches out his legs and rubs his
hands. Beholding him in which glow of contentment, Mr. Guppy says ;
" You are a man again, Tony ! "
"Well, not quite, yet," says Mr. Jobling. "Say, just born."
" Will you take any other vegetables ? Grass ? Peas ? Summer
cabbage ? "
" Thank you, Guppy," says !Mr. Jobling. " I really don't know but
what I will take summer cabbage."
Order given ; with the sarcastic addition (from ^Ir. Smallweed) ot
" Without slugs, Polly ! " And cabbage produced.
" I am growing up, Guppy," says Mr. Jobling, plying his knife and
fork with a relishing steadiness.
" Glad to hear it."
" In fact, I have just turned into my teens," says Mr. Jobling.
He says no more until he has performed his task, which he achieves as
]Iessrs. Guppy and Smallweed finish theirs ; thus getting over the ground
ill excellent stvle, and beatino; those two gentlemen easilv bv a veal and
ham and a cabbage.
" Now, Small," says Mr, Guppy, " what woidd you recommend about
pastrv'?"
" Marrow puddings," says ]Ir. Smallweed instantly.
" xVye, aye ! " cries Mr. Jobling, with an arch look. " You're there, are
you ? Thank you, Guppy, I don't know but what I mil take a maiTow
pudding."
Three marrow puddings being produced, Mr. Jobling adds, in a pleasant
liumour, that he is coming of age fast. To these succeed, by command
of Mr. Smallweed, "three Cheshires ;" and to those, " three small rums."
This apex of the entertainment happily reached, ^Ir. Jobling puts up
his legs on the cai-peted seat (haNTing his own side of the box to himself),
leans against the wall, and says, "I am gTo-n up, now, Guppy. I have
amved at matiu'ity."
"What do you think, now," says Mr. Guppy, "about — you don't
mind Smallweed ? "
" Not the least in the world. I have the pleasure of diinking his
good health."
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