"Now, you know, Caudle, that's nonsense; because I only like whom you
like. I suppose the Prettymans must come? But understand, Caudle, I
don't have Miss Prettyman: I'm not going to have my peace of mind
destroyed under my own roof! if she comes, I don't appear at the
table. What do you say?

"VERY WELL?

"Very well be it, then.

"And now, Caudle, you'll not forget the venison? In the City, my
dear? You'll not forget the venison? A haunch, you know; a nice
haunch. And you'll not forget the venison--?"


"Three times did I fall off to sleep," says Caudle, "and three times
did my wife nudge me with her elbow, exclaiming--'You'll not forget
the venison?' At last I got into a sound slumber, and dreamt I was a
pot of currant jelly."



LECTURE XX--"BROTHER" CAUDLE HAS BEEN TO A MASONIC CHARITABLE DINNER.
MRS. CAUDLE HAS HIDDEN THE "BROTHER'S" CHEQUE-BOOK



"But all I say is this: I only wish I'd been born a man. What do
you say?