"Gentlemen," said Mr. Wopsle, "I am proud to see you. I hope, Mr. Pip, you will excuse my sending round. I had the happiness to know you in former times, and the Drama has ever had a claim which has ever been acknowledged, on the noble and the affluent."

     Meanwhile, Mr. Waldengarver, in a frightful perspiration, was trying to get himself out of his princely sables.

     "Skin the stockings off Mr. Waldengarver," said the owner of that property, "or you'll bust 'em. Bust 'em, and you'll bust five-and-thirty shillings. Shakspeare never was complimented with a finer pair. Keep quiet in your chair now, and leave 'em to me."

     With that, he went upon his knees, and began to flay his victim; who, on the first stocking coming off, would certainly have fallen over backward with his chair, but for there being no room to fall anyhow.

     I had been afraid until then to say a word about the play. But then, Mr. Waldengarver looked up at us complacently, and said,--

     "Gentlemen, how did it seem to you, to go, in front?"

     Herbert said from behind (at the same time poking me), "Capitally." So I said "Capitally."