"Hope springs eternal——."—Irish Landlord (in distressed district, who had paid compensation for not receiving his rents, and was sinking his capital in draining-works, and otherwise "disturbing" his tenants). "Well, Pat, I hope, with a good harvest, we shall get on without all this 'relief' next season——"
Pat (an optimist). "Och, plaze heaven, yer honour, we'll have another bad year yet!!"
When you are about it.—Magister Familias (parting with his butler). "Here is the letter, Flanagan. I can conscientiously say you are honest and attentive, but I should have to stretch a point if I were to say you are sober."
Mr. Flanagan. "Thank you, sor. But when you are afther strritchin' a point, sor, wouldn't you, plase, sthritch it a little further, and say I'm aften sober!!"