Mr.
Fogg, the reader may care to know, was a subdued, weak-eyed and timid person.

He had the air of a victim of perpetual tyranny--of a man who had been ruthlessly and remorselessly sat upon until his spirit was wholly gone.

And Mrs.Fogg looked as if she might have been his despot.

She opened the conversation by addressing the lawyer: "Colonel, I have called to engage you as my counsel in a divorce suit against Mr.Fogg.I have resolved to separate from him--to sunder our ties and henceforth to live apart." "Indeed!" replied the colonel; "I'm sorry to hear that.

What's the matter?
Has he been beating and ill-treating you ?" "Beating!" exclaimed Mrs.Fogg, disdainfully; "I should think not! I should like him to try it." "Maria, let me--" interposed Mr.Fogg, mildly.
"Now, Wilberforce," she exclaimed, interrupting him, "you remain quiet; I will explain this matter to Colonel Coffin.