'The noose, you know,' said Mr Folair, a little crest-fallen.
'The noose, sir?' retorted Mr Lillyvick. 'Does any man dare to speak to me of a noose, and Henrietta Pe—'
'Lillyvick,' suggested Mr Crummles.
'—And Henrietta Lillyvick in the same breath?' said the collector. 'In this house, in the presence of Mr and Mrs Crummles, who have brought up a talented and virtuous family, to be blessings and phenomenons, and what not, are we to hear talk of nooses?'
'Folair,' said Mr Crummles, deeming it a matter of decency to be affected by this allusion to himself and partner, 'I'm astonished at you.'
'What are you going on in this way at me for?' urged the unfortunate actor. 'What have I done?'
'Done, sir!' cried Mr Lillyvick, 'aimed a blow at the whole framework of society—'
'And the best an
