-- You could n't have the goodness to let me pinch Boxer 's tail , mum , for half a moment , could you ? '' `` Why , Caleb , what a question ! '' `` Oh , never mind , mum ! '' said the little man . `` He might n't like it , perhaps . There 's a small order just come in for barking dogs ; and I should wish to go as close to Natur ' as I could for sixpence . That 's all . Never mind , mum . '' It happened opportunely that Boxer , without receiving the proposed stimulus , began to bark with great zeal . But , as this implied the approach of some new visitor , Caleb , postponing his study from the life to a more convenient season , shouldered the round box , and took a hurried leave . He might have spared himself the trouble , for he met the visitor upon the threshold . `` Oh ! You are here , are you ? Wait a bit . I 'll take you home . John Peerybingle , my service to you . More of my service to your pretty wife . Handsomer every day ! Better too , if possible ! And younger , '' mused the speaker in a low voice , `` that 's the devil of it ! ''
`` I should be astonished at your paying compliments , Mr. Tackleton , '' said Dot , not with the best grace XXXXX the world , `` but for your condition . ''
as for from if in of that to upon without