Wife.—Don't put me off with such stuff as that; I tell you, it is not for nothing that you have been so concerned, and that so long too; I have seen it plain enough; why, you have drooped upon it for this fortnight past, and above.
Husb.—Ay, this twelvemonth, and more.
Wife.—Very well, and yet it is nothing.
Husb.—It is nothing that you can help me in.
Wife.—Well, but how do you know that? Let me see, and judge whether I can, or no.
Husb.—I tell you, you cannot.
Wife.—Sure it is some terrible thing then. Why must not I know it? What! are you going to break? Come, tell me the worst of it.
Husb.—Break! no, no, I hope not—Break! no, I'll never break.
Wife.—As good as you have broke; don't presume; no man in trade can say he won't break.
Husb.—Yes, yes; I can say I won't break.