The World's Wit and Humor (Volume 8); An Encyclopedia of the Classic Wit and Humor of All Ages and Nations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1912. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Mrs. Gaskell Miss "Jenkyns s Literary Tastes When the trays reappeared with biscuits and wine, punctually at a quarter to nine, there was conversation, comparing of cards, and talking over tricks; but by-and-by Captain Brown sported a bit of literature. "Have you seen any numbers of The Pickwick Papers?" said he. (They were then publishing in parts.) "Capital thing " Now Miss Jenkyns was daughter of a deceased rector of Cranford; and, on the strength of a number of manuscript sermons, and a pretty good library of divinity, considered herself literary, and looked upon any conversation about books as a challenge to her. So she answered and said, "Yes, she had seen them; indeed, she might say she had read them." "And what do you think of them?" exclaimed Captain Brown. "Aren't they famously good?" So urged, Miss Jenkyns could not but speak. "I must say, I don't think they are by any means equal to Dr. Johnson. Still, perhaps, the author is young. Let him persevere, and who knows what he may become if he will take the great doctor for his model." This was evidently too much for Captain Brown to take placidly; and I saw the words on the tip of his tongue before Miss Jenkyns had finished her sentence. "It is quite a different sort of thing, my dear madam," he began. "I am quite aware of that," returned she. "And I make allowances, Captain Brown." "Just allow me to read you a scene out of this month's number," pleaded he. "I had it only this morning, and I don't think the company can have read it yet." "As you please," said she, settling herself with an air of resignation. He read the account of the "swarry" which Sam Weller gave at Bath. Some of us laughed heartily. / did not dare, because I was staying in the house. Miss Jenkyns sat in patient gravity. When it was en...