While Uncle Jack turns to Mr Speck, Mr Bullion fixes his fork in a pickled onion in Jack's plate, and transfers it to his own—observing, not as incidentally to the onion, but to truth in general—"A man, gentlemen, in this country, has only to keep his eyes on the look-out, and seize on the first advantage!—resources are incalculable!"
Uncle Jack, returning to the plate and missing the onion, forestalls Mr Speck in seizing the last potato—observing also, and in the same philosophical and generalising spirit as Mr Bullion—"The great thing in this country is to be always beforehand: discovery and invention, promptitude and decision!—that's your go. 'Pon my life, one picks up sad vulgar sayings among the natives here!—'that's your go!' shocking! What would your poor father say? How is he—good Austin? Well?—that's right: and my dear sister? Ah, that damnable Peck!—still harping on the Anti-Capitalist, eh? But I'll make it up to you all now. Gentlemen, charge your glasses—a bumper-toast"——
Mr Speck, (in an affected tone.)—I respond to the sentiment in a flowing cap. Glasses are not forthcoming.
Uncle Jack.—A bumper-toast to the health of the future millionnaire, whom I present to you in my nephew and sole heir—Pisistratus Caxton, Esq. Yes, gentlemen, I here publicly announce to you that this gentleman will be the inheritor of all my wealth—freehold, leasehold, agricultural, and mineral; and when I am in the cold grave—(takes out his pocket-handkerchief)—and nothing remains of poor John Tibbets, look upon that gentleman, and say, "John Tibbets lives again!"
Mr Speck, (chauntingly.)—
"Let the bumper toast go round."
Guy Bolding.—Hip, hip, hurrah!—three times three! What fun!
Order is restored; dinner-things are cleared; each gentleman lights his pipe.
Vivian.—What news from England?
Mr Bullion.—As to the funds, sir?