"
"Martha, the best of wives--old Sam's Beck always excepted--sitting at
my side. As for _audio_, the truth is, I have been forced to experience
the din and racket of that same verb during the greater portion of my
life, in more senses than I am willing to describe. I did not imagine,
in my bachelor days, that the fermenting tumult of the school-room could
be surpassed by a single instrument; but, alas!--well, it matters not
now; all I can say is, that I never saw her--heard I mean, for I am on
_audio_--that the performance of that same single instrument did not
furnish me with a painful praxis of the nine parts of speech all going
together; for I do believe that nine tongues all at work could not have
matched her. But peace be with her! she is silent at last, and cannot
hear me now. I thought I myself possessed an extensive knowledge of
the languages, but, alas I was nothing; as a linguist she was without a
rival. However, I pass that over, and return to the subject of my toast.
Now, my dear Martha, since heaven gifted me with you--"
"Attention, Mainwaring! Eyes up to the ceiling, sir, and thank God!"
Mainwaring did so; but for the life of him could not help throwing a
little comic spirit into the action, adding in an undertone that he
wished to be heard.
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