I asked him for three-and-sixpence, and he gave it me.' 'Wasn't it a little cool to name your sum ?' hints Mr.Datchery, still rattling.

'Isn't it customary to leave the amount open?
Mightn't it have had the appearance, to the young gentleman--only the appearance--that he was rather dictated to ?' 'Look'ee here, deary,' she replies, in a confidential and persuasive tone, 'I wanted the money to lay it out on a medicine as does me good, and as I deal in.

I told the young gentleman so, and he gave it me, and I laid it out honest to the last brass farden.

I want to lay out the same sum in the same way now; and if you'll give it me, I'll lay it out honest to the last brass farden again, upon my soul!' 'What's the medicine ?' 'I'll be honest with you beforehand, as well as after.

It's opium.' Mr.Datchery, with a sudden change of countenance, gives her a sudden look.
'It's opium, deary.