'Well, sir, I've thought of that, too,' he replied. 'There might be some
credit in being jolly with a wife, 'specially if the children had the
measles and that, and was very fractious indeed. But I'm a'most afraid
to try it. I don't see my way clear.'

'You're not very fond of anybody, perhaps?' said Pinch.

'Not particular, sir, I think.'

'But the way would be, you know, Mark, according to your views of
things,' said Mr Pinch, 'to marry somebody you didn't like, and who was
very disagreeable.'

'So it would, sir; but that might be carrying out a principle a little
too far, mightn't it?'

'Perhaps it might,' said Mr Pinch. At which they both laughed gayly.

'Lord bless you, sir,' said Mark, 'you don't half know me, though. I
don't believe there ever was a man as could come out so strong under
circumstances that would make other men miserable, as I could, if I
could only get a chance. But I can't get a chance. It's my opinion
that nobody never will know half of what's in me, unless something very
unexpected turns up. And I don't see any prospect of that. I'm a-going
to leave the Dragon, sir.'

'Going to leave the Dragon!' cried Mr Pinch, looking at him with great
astonishment. 'Why, Mark, you take my breath away!'