A Scotch exshpression." Here he pulled himself together again, and with an air of anxious lucidity laid a precise accent on every syllable.

"The name, I flatter myself, should be a guarantee.

No reveller, madam, I s'hure you; appearances against me, but no Bacchanal; still lesh--shtill _less_ I should iggs--or, if you prefer it, eggs--plain, gay Lothario.

Trust me, ma'am--married man, fifteen years' standing--Arabella--tha's my wife-- never a moment's 'neasiness--" 'Two shouls'-- you'll excuse me, souls--' with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat ash one.' "Between you and me, ma'am, we have thoughts of applying for Dunmow flitch.

Quaint old custom, Dunmow flitch.