away the pen he was writing with, and demanded another from Mr.
Roundjacket.

That gentleman complied, and made him a new one.

Verty wrote for five minutes with the new one; and then split it
deplorably. Mr. Roundjacket heard the noise, and protested against
such carelessness.

"Oh," sighed Verty, "this writing is a terrible thing to-day; I want a
holiday."

"There's no holiday in law, sir."

"Never?"

"No, never."

"It's a very slavish thing, then," Verty said.

"You are not far wrong there, young man," replied his companion; "but
it also has its delights."

"I have never seen any."

"You are a savage."

"I believe I am."

"Your character is like your costume--barbarous."