 be better improved, I should think, Mr. C.,« retorted his
helpmate, after a short pause, »than by the introduction, either of the college
hornpipe, or the equally unmeaning and unfeeling remark of rump-te-iddity,
bow-wow-wow!« - which Mr. Chick had indeed indulged in, under his breath, and
which Mrs. Chick repeated in a tone of withering scorn.
    »Merely habit, my dear,« pleaded Mr. Chick.
    »Nonsense! Habit!« returned his wife. »If you're a rational being, don't
make such ridiculous excuses. Habit! If I was to get a habit (as you call it) of
walking on the ceiling, like the flies, I should hear enough of it, I dare say.«
    It appeared so probable that such a habit might be attended with some degree
of notoriety, that Mr. Chick didn't venture to dispute the position.
    »How's the Baby, Loo?« asked Mr. Chick: to change the subject.
    »What Baby do you mean?« answered Mrs. Chick. »I am sure the morning I have
had, with that dining-room down stairs one mass of babies, no one in their
senses would believe.«
    »One mass of babies!« repeated Mr. Chick, staring with an alarmed expression
about him.
    »It would have occurred to most men,« said Mrs. Chick, »that poor dear Fanny
being no more, it becomes necessary to provide a Nurse.«
    »Oh! Ah!« said Mr. Chick. »Toor-rul - such is life, I mean. I hope you are
suited, my dear.«
    »Indeed I am not,« said Mrs. Chick; »nor likely to be, so far as I can see.
Meanwhile, of course, the child is -«
    »Going to the very Deuce,« said Mr. Chick, thoughtfully, »to be sure.«
    Admonished, however, that he had committed himself, by the indignation
expressed in Mrs. Chick's countenance at the idea of a Dombey going there; and
thinking to atone for his misconduct by a bright suggestion, he added:
    »Couldn't something temporary be done with a teapot?«
    If he had meant to bring the subject prematurely to a close, he could not
have done it more effectually. After looking at him for some moments in silent
resignation, Mrs. Chick walked majestically to the window and peeped through the
blind
