‘That’s rather a wuss one than they mostly have; but Lord, ’tis nothing at all.’
‘I don’t much like biding here listening!’ said Picotee.
‘O, ’tis how we do all over the West End,’ said Joey. ‘’Tis yer ignorance of town life that makes it seem a good deal to ’ee.’
‘You can’t make much boast about town life; for you haven’t left off talking just as they do down in Wessex.’
‘Well, I own to that—what’s fair is fair, and ’tis a true charge; but if I talk the Wessex way ’tisn’t for want of knowing better; ’tis because my staunch nater makes me bide faithful to our old ancient institutions. You’d soon own ’twasn’t ignorance in me, if you knowed what large quantities of noblemen I gets mixed up with every day. In fact ’tis thoughted here and there that I shall do very well in the world.’
‘Well, let us go down,’ said Picotee. ‘Everything seems so overpowering here.’
‘O, you’ll get broke in soon enough. I felt just the same when I first entered into society.’
‘Do you think Berta will be angry with me? How does she treat you?’
‘Well, I can’t complain. You see she’s my own flesh and blood, and what can I say? But, in secret truth, the wages is terrible low, and barely pays for the tobacco I consooms.’
‘O Joey, you wicked boy! If mother only knew that you smoked!’