"Many apologies," said the clerical gentleman, hastily resuming the perusal of the Courant.
"Sir," added Todd, as he finished the shaving and whipped off the cloth from the patient. "Sir, I should have finished you five minutes ago, so that I am sure no one would have heard the slightest complaint from you, but for the truly engaging conversation of this gentleman here, whom I shall have great pleasure now in polishing off."
"Oh, don't name it," said the shaved customer, laying down a penny. "Don't name it, I said I was in no hurry, so I can hardly blame you for taking your time."
He went through the usual operation of a partial sloush of cold water from a pewter basin, and then dried himself upon a jack towel, and left the shop.
"Now, sir," said Todd.
The clerical-looking gentleman waved his hand as though he would have said—
"For goodness sake don't interrupt me until I have finished this paragraph."
Todd fixed his eyes upon him, and began slowly stropping the razor he had been recently using.
"Now, sir, if you please."
"One moment—one—mo—ment, I shall get through the deaths in an in—stant."