“Really! He must be getting quite an old man by now,” said the Doctor-in-Law, vaguely.
“He’s dead,” said A. Fish, Esq., solemnly.
“Dear me! poor fellow! what did he die of?”
“Don’t ask such a lot of silly questions,” interrupted the Sister-in-Law, impatiently; “get on with the business. What has A. Fish to say on behalf of the Wallypug? that is the question.”
“He’s gettig od very dicely with his recitig,” insisted A. Fish, Esq. “He was repeatig a speech from Richard III. to us this bordig whed the breakfast bell rang, ad that’s why we were late at table.”
“Oh! that’s the reason, is it?” said the Sister-in-Law. “Bah! I’ve no patience with a man at his time of life repeating poetry. Positively childish, I call it. What was the rubbish?” she demanded, turning to the Wallypug.
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse,” began his Majesty, feebly.
“What!” shrieked the Sister-in-Law, starting up from her seat. “Say that again!”
“‘A-a horse, a horse, my-my kingdom for a horse,’” stammered the Wallypug, nervously.