Snitchey, stirring his
tea.
'Although the way out has been always made too easy,' said his
partner.
'And you'll excuse my saying, Doctor,' pursued Mr. Snitchey,
'having been already put a thousand times in possession of my
opinion, in the course of our discussions, that, in its having gone
to law, and in its legal system altogether, I do observe a serious
side - now, really, a something tangible, and with a purpose and
intention in it - '
Clemency Newcome made an angular tumble against the table,
occasioning a sounding clatter among the cups and saucers.
'Heyday! what's the matter there?' exclaimed the Doctor.
'It's this evil-inclined blue bag,' said Clemency, 'always tripping
up somebody!'
'With a purpose and intention in it, I was saying,' resumed
Snitchey, 'that commands respect. Life a farce, Dr. Jeddler? With
law in it?'
The Doctor laughed, and looked at Alfred.
'Granted, if you please, that war is foolish,' said Snitchey.
'There we agree. For example. Here's a smiling country,' pointing
it out with his fork, 'once overrun by soldiers - trespassers every
man of 'em - and laid waste by fire and sword. He, he, he! The
idea of any man exposing himself, voluntarily, to fire and sword!
Stupid, wasteful, positively ridiculous; you laugh at your fellow-
creatures, you know, when you think of it! But take this smiling
country as it stands.
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