Mr. Gladstone and Professor Tyndall discovered seated on the edge of a Crevasse.
Mr. Gladstone. I didn't know a glacier was so frightfully slippery.
Prof. Tyndall. Slippery—ha! Like some politicians I might mention!
Mr. Gladstone. That last avalanche, too, bowled us over so neatly that I feel distinctly limp.
Prof. Tyndall (severely). You should try and avoid this "subserviency to outside influences." I always do.
Mr. Gladstone (ignoring the remark). What range is that over there?
Prof. Tyndall. The Pennine Alps, stoopid! From their name they would seem a suitable residence for a person who scribbles twaddle in Magazines—ahem! No personal allusion, of course.
Mr. Gladstone (gaily). Of course not! But isn't it rather dangerous sitting here, with that bank of snow just above us? Suppose it came down on us!
Prof. Tyndall. As the Judges came down on your Parnellite allies, eh? Perhaps, as we're getting to some nasty places, we might be tied together now.
Mr. Gladstone (warmly). Quite so. A union of hearts, in fact.