My lady shook the cat out of the armchair, and seated herself.
"It isn't polite to carry round peanuts."
"I was only thinking," continued the doctor, with a side glance at Mother Hubbard, "how nice a peanut would be to keep anybody from fainting away."
Mother Hubbard started from her chair. "What unfashionable boarders! You don't expect dinner in the middle of the day, I hope! In the city of New York we don't have it till five or six o'clock. I'm afraid you came down too soon, Dr. Moonshine."
"Afraid I did. Wish I was 'the man in the South.' I'd like to 'burn my mouth' on a little 'cold plum porridge.'"
"Haven't any for you; but I'll give you a lunch. What say to omelettes and coffee?"
"Excellent," said Dr. Moonshine, reviving.
"Exquisite," drawled my lady.
"Exquit," quoth Fly.
"Only there isn't any coffee," said Mother Hubbard, going to the cupboard.