Mrs. Merdle, having “Nibbled a Little” for two Hours at Dinner,

“Impatient — oh yes — just the way with you men!

I never have time to half finish my eating

Ere Merdle is done; such a fidget is then,

He'd starve me I think rather‘ n miss of a meeting

Where brokers preside o'er the fate of the stocks,

As Pales presided o'er shepherds and flocks.

Now while you are smoking — what nonsense and folly —

I'll go to my room.— do n't say No, for I must —

Put on a new dress, with assistance of Molly,

And then with a little strong tea and a crust,

My strength I may hope for a walk will be able

As far as the gate, and a very short ride,

To give me a relish again for the table —

What else do we live for in this world beside?”