"Ha! ha! ha!"
"Well then, sir," continued Melchior to Philotas, "perhaps you'll tell how many ladies and gentlemen we may expect to honour us with their company to-night."
"How many, sir?"
"Yes, sir, how many."
"I'm sure I don't know," said Num, after a pause.
"Positively you are the greatest fool I ever met with," said Melchior.
"Well, he does act the fool as natural as life," observed the crowd. "What a stupid face he does put on!"
"Perhaps you will be able to answer that question, Mr Dionysius," said I to Tim.
"Yes, sir, I know exactly."
"Well, sir, let's hear."