_Mr. Timmerman_ (_carelessly, to his wife, as the Deadwood Coach is introduced_). It would be rather fun to have a ride in the Coach--new experience and all that.
_Mrs. T._ (_who doesn't intend him to go_). Oh, do be _careful_ then.
_Mr. T._ (_feeling quite the Daredevil_). Pooh, my dear, what is there to be careful about?
_Mrs. T._ It does look such a ramshackle old thing--it might break down. Accidents do happen so quickly.
_Mr. T._ (_reflecting that they certainly do_). Oh, if it wasn't perfectly safe, they wouldn't--
_Mrs. T._ Well, promise me if you go on the box to hold on tight round the corners, then!
_Mr. T._ (_who doesn't see much to hold on by_). I shan't _go_ on the box--I shall go inside.
_Mrs. T._ There mayn't be room. There are several people waiting to go already. You'll have to make haste to get a seat at all. I shall be _miserable_ till I see you safe back again!
_Mr. T._ (_who is not sure he doesn't share her feelings_). Oh well, if you feel like _that_ about it, I won't--
_Mrs. T._ Oh, yes, do, I _want_ you to go--it will be so exciting for you to see real Indians yelling and shooting all round.
_Mr. T._ (_thinking that it may be more exciting than pleasant_). Might bring on one of my headaches, and there'll be such a smell of gunpowder too. I hardly think, after all, it's worth while.
_Mrs. T._ If you feel in the least _nervous_ about it. (_Mr. T. denies this indignantly._) Then go at once--you may never have the chance again; only don't stay talking about it--go!
_Mr. T._ (_pulling himself together_). Very well, if you really wish it.... Confound it! _Most_ annoying, really! (_Sits down relieved._) They've started! It's all _your_ fault, if you hadn't kept me here talking!
_Mrs. T._ (_humbly_). I _am_ so sorry--but there's another performance in the evening; we might dine here, and then you could easily go on the Coach afterwards if you're so anxious to!
_Mr. T._ And sit through the show twice in one day? No, good as it is, I really--and I've some letters I must write after dinner, too.
[_Mrs. T. smiles to herself discreetly, satisfied with having gained her point._
On Saturday last, being the first day permissible under the statute, the nomination of a Knight to serve in Parliament for the Shire of Barks, was held in the county town. The proceedings were marked by a pleasing unanimity, and an outburst of popular enthusiasm which seriously tried the resources of the local police. There was only one candidate--TOBY once more M.P. The nomination paper was signed by _Mr. Punch_, Mr. GLADSTONE, Lord SALISBURY, and most of the Crowned Heads of Europe.