"BLESS ME!

"Well, you are a dear soul, Caudle; and if it wasn't for that Miss
Prettyman--no, I'm not torturing you. I know very well what I'm
doing, and I wouldn't torture you for the world; but you don't know
what the feelings of a wife are, Caudle; you don't.

"Caudle--I say, Caudle. Just a word, dear.

"WELL?

"Now, why should you snap me up in that way?

"YOU WANT TO GO TO SLEEP?

"So do I; but that's no reason you should speak to me in that manner.
You know, dear, you once promised to take me to France.

"YOU DON'T RECOLLECT IT?

"Yes--that's like you; you don't recollect many things you've
promised me; but I do. There's a boat goes on Wednesday to Boulogne,
and comes back the day afterwards.

"WHAT OF IT?

"Why, for that time we could leave the children with the girls, and
go nicely.