'How did you know that, madam?' I asked, laughing.
'I seed ye doan't smoke 'fore wimmin. But ye mustn't mind me; I sort o' likes it; it's a great comfut to John, and may be it ar to ye.'
'Well, I do relish a good cigar; but I never smoke before any lady except my wife, and though she's only 'a little lower than the angels,' she does, once in a while, say it's a shame to make the house smell like a tobacco-factory.'
Barnes handed me the box again, and I took one. As I was lighting it, he said:
'Ye've got a good 'oman, hev ye?'
'There's none better; at least, I think so.'
'Wal, I'm 'zactly uv thet 'pinion 'bout mine; I wouldn't trade her fur all this worle an' th' best half uv t'other.'
'Don't ye talk so, John,' said the lady. Then addressing me, she added: 'It's a good husband thet makes a good wife, sir.'
'Sometimes, madam, but not always, I've known some of the best of wives who had miserable husbands.'
'An' I'm d—d ef I made my wife th' 'oman she ar',' said the corn-cracker.