“Mother-in-law,” said Sam, “how are you?”
“Why, I do believe he is a Weller!” said Mrs. W., raising her eyes to Sam’s face, with no very gratified expression of countenance.
“I rayther think he is,” said the imperturbable Sam; “and I hope this here reverend gen’lm’n ’ll excuse me saying that I wish I was the Weller as owns you, mother-in-law.”
“Mother-in-law,” said Sam, “how are you?”
This was a double-barrelled compliment. It implied that Mrs. Weller was a most agreeable female, and also that Mr. Stiggins had a clerical appearance. It made a visible impression at once; and Sam followed up his advantage by kissing his mother-in-law.
“Get along with you!” said Mrs. Weller, pushing him away.
“For shame, young man!” said the gentleman with the red nose.
“No offence, sir, no offence,” replied Sam; “you’re wery right, though; it ain’t the right sort o’ thing, when mothers-in-law is young and good-looking, is it, sir?”