"But," said Mr. Bagshaw, referring to the barometer, "the instrument for indicating the present state and probable changes of the weather still maintains its elevation, and I tell you what, dear, if the weather should be preposterous on the 24th of August, suppose, instead of going into the north, as we did last year, we migrate into Kent or Surrey? Instead of dining at Hampstead, as we did last year, shall we go to Greenwich, or to Putney, and eat little fishes?"
"Whichever you like, love," was the lady's answer to the so-intended question.
"But I put it to your choice, dear."
"Either—or neither—please yourself, love, and you are sure you will please me."
"Pshaw! but it is for the gratification of your—or, more properly speaking, for your gratification. I submit to you an alternative for the purpose of election; and you know, Jane, I repudiate indifference, even as concerning or applying to trifles."
"You know, Claudius, we have but one wish, and that is to please each other; so do you decide."
"But, Mrs. Bagshaw, I must promulgate a request that—having, as I have, no desire but to please you—you will—"
"How, sir! would you force me to choose, when I am so obedient as to choose that you should have the choice entirely your own way? This treatment of me is monstrous!"
And here Mrs. Bagshaw did what is usual and proper for ladies to do on such occasions,—she burst into tears.
"Why, then, madam, to use a strong expression, I must say that—"