“Can you parse?”

“Oh, yes? I pass my time at dumps and marloes.”

“Speak your Christmas-piece to Mr. Timtiffin, do, dear Guy!” said “ma,” coaxingly.

Master Guy Muff made the effort, Mr. Brutus Muff acting as prompter.

Master Guy (taking in each hand a dessert-plate).

“Look here upon this pic-tur, and on this,

The counter—counter—”

“Sink the shop!” whispered Uncle Timothy.

Mr. Muff. “Fit presen-ti-ment—”

“You put the boy out, Mr. Muff, as you always do!” snarled Mrs. Muff.