Now , this was not at all the case , either with Dot or May ; for May 's face set off Dot 's , and Dot 's face set off May 's , so naturally and agreeably , that , as John Peerybingle was very near saying when he came into the room , they ought to have been born sisters -- which was the only improvement you could have suggested . Tackleton had brought his leg of mutton , and , wonderful to relate , a tart besides -- but we do n't mind a little dissipation when our brides are in the case ; we do n't get married every day -- and , in addition to these dainties , there were the Veal and Ham Pie , and `` things , '' as Mrs. Peerybingle called them ; which were chiefly nuts and oranges , and cakes , and such small deer . When the repast was set forth on the board , flanked by Caleb 's contribution , which was a great wooden bowl of smoking potatoes -LRB- he was prohibited , by solemn compact , from producing any other viands -RRB- , Tackleton led his intended mother-in-law to the post of honour . For the better gracing of this place at the high festival , the majestic old soul had adorned herself with a cap , calculated to inspire the thoughtless with sentiments of awe . She also wore her gloves . But let us be genteel , or die ! Caleb sat next his daughter ; Dot and her old schoolfellow were side by side ; the good Carrier took care of the bottom of the table . Miss Slowboy was isolated , for the time being , from every article of furniture but the chair she sat on , that she might have nothing else to knock the Baby 's head against . As Tilly stared about her at the dolls and toys , they stared at her and at the company . The venerable old gentleman at the street-doors -LRB- who were all in full action -RRB- showed especial interest in the party , pausing occasionally before leaping , as if they were listening to the conversation , and then plunging wildly over and over , a great many times , without halting for breath -- as in a frantic state of delight with the whole proceedings . Certainly , if these old gentlemen were inclined to have a fiendish joy in the contemplation of Tackleton 's discomfiture , they had good reason to be satisfied . Tackleton could n't get on at all ; and the more cheerful his intended bride became in Dot 's society , the less he liked it , though he had brought them together for that purpose . For he was a regular dog in the manger , was Tackleton ; and , when they laughed and he could n't , he took it into his head , immediately , that they must be laughing at him . `` Ah , May ! '' said Dot . `` Dear , dear , what changes ! To talk of those merry school days makes one young again . '' `` Why , you a n't particularly old at any time , are you ? '' said Tackleton . `` Look at my sober , plodding husband there , '' returned Dot .
`` He adds twenty years to my age XXXXX least .
For against as at by if of on to with