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The Caxtons — Volume 17 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 10 of 36 (27%)
Uncle Jack, returning to the plate, and missing the onion, forestalls
Mr. Speck in seizing the last potato; observing also, and in the same
philosophical and generalizing spirit as Mr. Bullion: "The great thing
in this country is to be always beforehand. Discovery and invention,
promptitude and decision,--that's your go! 'Pon my life, one picks up
sad vulgar sayings among the natives here! 'That's your go!'--shocking!
What would your poor father say? How is he,--good Austin? Well?
That's right; and my dear sister? Ah, that damnable Peck! Still
harping on the 'Anti-Capitalist,' eh? But I'll make it up to you all
now. Gentlemen, charge your glasses,--a bumper-toast."

Mr. Speck (in an affected tone).--"I respond to the sentiment in a
flowing cup. Glasses are not forthcoming."

Uncle Jack.--"A bumper-toast to the health of the future millionnaire
whom I present to you in my nephew and sole heir,--Pisistratus Caxton,
Esq. Yes, gentlemen, I here publicly announce to you that this
gentleman will be the inheritor of all my wealth,--freehold, leasehold,
agricultural, and mineral; and when I am in the cold grave [takes out
his pocket-handkerchief], and nothing remains of poor John Tibbets, look
upon that gentleman and say, 'John Tibbets lives again!'"

Mr. Speck (chantingly),--

"'Let the bumper-toast go round.'"

Guy Bolding.--"Hip, hip, hurrah!--three times three! What fun!"

Order is restored; dinner-things are cleared; each gentleman lights his
pipe.
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