'You and old Leatherum be hanged!' said Johnson.
'Thank you for nothing,' returned Hopkins. 'Hang "odi profanum vulgus" whenever you please, but as for me, I'm not inclined that way just now, so won't trouble you for any such delicate attention. Besides, I shouldn't exactly rejoice to see you turn Jack Ketch after bearing her Majesty's colours.'
'It would scarcely be needful, I suspect, if I gave you rope enough,' returned Johnson.
'You seem to be particularly attached to this line of illustration, Johnson, but as it is not altogether new, let's try something else.'
'With all my heart,' returned Johnson, 'but what line shall we take up?'
'I don't know that we need take up any,' replied Hopkins. 'Suppose we get up on the morning after next in time to witness the parting between the Major and Mrs. W.?'
'Why, you don't think old "Amoroso" will really get up after what she said to him, do you?' said Johnson.
'I have a notion he will,' returned Hopkins, 'and if he does I would not miss the play for a trifle; it will be truly affecting.'
'Oh, it will be grand!' said Johnson, 'but I wish the lady had not been in such a mortal hurry to get back to her husband. Three o'clock is an uncommonly early hour.'