MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.
Social.
"Yes; it is a sovereign you owe me—but any time will do;" i.e., "If he has the least spark of honour he'll pay me now."
"Never saw you looking better! Magnificent colour!" i.e., "Evidently ripening for apoplectic fit."
"Pray bring your friend;" i.e., "Doesn't he know how overcrowded my rooms are already?"
"To be perfectly candid;" i.e., "Not sorry to rub it in."
Journalistic.
"As yet nothing has transpired;" i.e., The reporter was too late to obtain any information.
"Detective Inspector Muggins is actively pursuing his inquiries;" i.e., Reporter thinks it as well to keep in with Muggins, who, may be useful in future.
Epistolatory.
"In great haste;" i.e., "Must make some excuse for scrappiness."
"We were all so shocked at hearing of your sad bereavement;" i.e., "None of us knew her but myself, and I thought her a Cat!"
At a Dance.
"Let me get you a partner, Mr.—'er—'er Smith;" i.e., "He'll do for dowdy Miss Jones, who has only danced once the whole night."
"Shall we take a turn round now?" i.e., "She can't waltz any more than a crane, and parading is better than hopping."
"Not dancing to-night, Mr. Sprawle? Now, that's very naughty of you, with so many nice girls here;" i.e., "What an escape for the nice girls!"
A Little Music.
"I hope you brought your Music with you, dear;" i.e., "If only she had left it in the cab!"
"I would with pleasure, but I've such a shocking cold that really, &c.;" i.e., "I want a little more pressing, and then I'll come out strong, and astonish them, I fancy."
"Oh do! We have been looking forward to your Banjo-solo all the evening;" i.e., "With horror!"
Curiomania, Etc.
"How delightful it must be to have such a hobby!" i.e., "Thank heavens, I am not so afflicted!"
"It must have cost you a heap of money;" i.e., "How he's been 'done!'"
"What a wonderful collection of pictures you have here!" i.e., "Must say something. Wouldn't give ten pounds for the lot."
Railroad Amenities.
"So glad you got into the same carriage. A little of your conversation so lightens a long journey;" i.e., "He'll talk my head off, and render a nap impossible."
"Would you like to look at the papers?" i.e., "May keep her tongue still for a few minutes."