"Wud 'ee mind pinchin' me i' the ca'f o' the leg, jes' to make sure?"
"I was a-goin' to ax the same favour, Paul."
"Well, churchwarden or no churchwarden, I reckon I am damned!"
"What I complains of in this 'ere fash'nubble life," said Peter slowly, "es this—'tes too various—by a sight, too various."
"Arter eatin' next door to nuthin' all day, so's we mou'tn' be behindhand in tacklin' the vittles!"
There was an interval of painful stupor.
"Paul!"
"Peter!"
"I'm reckonin' up what my hunger's wuth at this moment. I dunno as I'd take twenty pund for 't."
Inside the house Mr. Fogo had sunk into an armchair, and was regarding the ceiling with thoughtful attention. He was aroused by steps in the hall, and Tamsin re-entered the room, followed by Caleb with the soup-tureen.