"I suppose I ought to read Uncle Remus?"
"Yes; but don't if you don't like."
"Not if I ought to?"
"The ought is not a high moral ought. You ought to read Uncle Remus if you want something amusing to read."
"I haven't much time for reading, and I want to read 'The Epidermis.' Everyone tells me I shall enjoy it."
"Perhaps everyone knows. I don't feel so much confidence myself. Read Uncle Remus first, anyhow. If you do that, I'll ask you to accept a copy of t'other one, from the Author."
"I've just written off for a copy to the publisher."
"Oh!—have you?—I would tell him to transfer the order to my account—only that takes all the edge off the proceeding."
"When did Uncle Remus come out first?"
"Oh—a long time ago! It's odd to think how long. I'm over forty. I was almost a boy."