This practical authority confused me very much by saying I had the arm of a blacksmith.

If he could have known how nearly the compliment lost him his pupil, I doubt if he would have paid it.
There was a supper-tray after we got home at night, and I think we should all have enjoyed ourselves, but for a rather disagreeable domestic occurrence.

Mr.Pocket was in good spirits, when a housemaid came in, and said, "If you please, sir, I should wish to speak to you." "Speak to your master ?" said Mrs.Pocket, whose dignity was roused again.

"How can you think of such a thing?
Go and speak to Flopson.

Or speak to me--at some other time." "Begging your pardon, ma'am," returned the housemaid, "I should wish to speak at once, and to speak to master." Hereupon, Mr.Pocket went out of the room, and we made the best of ourselves until he came back.
"This is a pretty thing, Belinda!" said Mr.Pocket, returning with a countenance expressive of grief and despair.