"Good morning, sir?" growled Mr. Rushton, "no, sir! it's a a bad morning, a wretched, diabolical morning, if the sun is pretending to shine."
"I think the sunshine is very pretty, sir."
"Yes—I suppose you do—I have no doubt of it—everything is pretty, of course,—Roundjacket!"
"Well?"
"Did you get exhibit 10?"
"I did, sir," replied Roundjacket, sighting his ruler to see if it was straight. "Have you had your breakfast, sir?"
"Yes, sir; why did you ask?"
"Oh, nothing—you know I thought you uncommonly amiable this morning."
Mr. Rushton scowled, and the ghost of a smile passed over his rigid lips.
"I am nothing of the sort! I'm a perfect bear!" he growled.