The paroxysm which succeeded Uncle Tom’s appreciation of this remark was so prolonged as to suggest that his labouring lungs were in need of assistance, and there was a general feeling of relief when he was able to assure his anxious ministers that he would let them know when he was dying.
As order was restored—
“I say, is this a smoking-carriage?” said Mr. Alcock, and looked round, grinning, for approval.
Once the ball was rolling, the question usually went. The great thing was not to ask it too soon. ‘And when men have well drunk, then . . .’
The laughter was renewed.
“I should ’ope so,” said Uncle Tom, taking out an enormous calabash.
Cigarettes were produced.
Mr. Barnham made bold to offer his case to Ann, who declined smilingly.
“She’ll ’ave one with me,” said Bob.
He lighted a Gold Flake and, after inhaling luxuriously, put the cigarette to her lips. . . .