LECTURE XVIII--CAUDLE, WHILST WALKING WITH HIS WIFE, HAS BEEN BOWED
TO BY A YOUNGER AND EVEN PRETTIER WOMAN THAN MRS. CAUDLE



"If I'm not to leave the house without being insulted, Mr. Caudle, I
had better stay indoors all my life.

"What! Don't tell me to let you have ONE night's rest! I wonder at
your impudence! It's mighty fine, I never can go out with you and--
goodness knows!--it's seldom enough without having my feelings torn
to pieces by people of all sorts. A set of bold minxes!

"WHAT AM I RAVING ABOUT?

"Oh, you know very well--very well, indeed, Mr. Caudle. A pretty
person she must be to nod to a man walking with his own wife! Don't
tell me that it's Miss Prettyman--what's Miss Prettyman to me? Oh!

"YOU'VE MET HER ONCE OR TWICE AT HER BROTHER'S HOUSE?

"Yes, I dare say you have--no doubt of it. I always thought there
was something very tempting about that house--and now I know it all.
Now, it's no use, Mr. Caudle, your beginning to talk loud, and twist
and toss your arms about as if you were as innocent as a born babe--
I'm not to be deceived by such tricks now. No; there was a time when
I was a fool and believed anything; but--I thank my stars!--I've got