"An unmitigated grizzly bear, sir, of the most ferocious and
uncivilized description," replied Roundjacket, with great candor.

"Very well, sir," replied Mr. Rushton, who seemed to relish these
pleasantries of Mr. Roundjacket--"very well, sir, turn into a bear
as much as you choose; but, for heaven sake, don't become a poetical
bear."

"There it is again!"

"What, sir?"

"You are finding fault with the harmless amusement of my leisure
hours. It's not very interesting here, if your Honor would please to
remember. I have no society--none, sir. What can I do but compose?"

"You want company?"

"I want a wife, sir; I acknowledge it freely."

Mr. Rushton smiled grimly.

"Why don't you get one, then?" he said; "but this is not what I meant.
I'm going to give you a companion."

"A companion?"

"An assistant, sir."