human
themselves fearfully and horribly for a quarter of an hour upon the stage, kissed their hands, which were as hard as ropes, from the nature of their profession, and smiled a fond farewell. There was some applause, but not much, because neither man nor woman cares greatly for female acrobats, and the performers themselves are with difficulty persuaded to learn their art, and generally make haste to
gpt
Splendid, splendid! Bravo! shouted Joseph at the end of the first verse.
human
That fetches 'em, don't it, sir? Positively drags 'em, in, sir.
gpt
You here, Joe??
human
Why, Chalker, who'd have thought to meet you in this music-hall?
gpt
It's a good step, isn't it? And what are you doing, Joe? I heard you'd left the P. and O. Company.
human
Had to, said Joe.
gpt
A gentleman has no choice but to resign. Ought never to have gone there. There's no position, Chalker--no position at all in the service. That is what I felt. Besides, the uniform, for a man of my style, is unbecoming. And the captain was a cad.
human
Humph! and what are you doing then? Living on the old man again?
gpt
Never you mind, David Chalker, replied Joe with dignity;
human
I am not likely to trouble you any more after the last time I called upon you.
gpt
Well, Joe, said the other, without taking offense,
human
And a very good security too, if he does justice to his relations.
gpt
Yes; but how did I know whether he was going to do justice? Come, Joe, don't be shirty with an old friend.