The arch failed first at the crown, then at the quarterings, and finally at the springings. After demolition the girders for half the new structure were erected on bedstones already built on the abutments behind the springings of the old arch.

Everything else has gone from me, little by little, but I have kept this.

The Samurai Sipper has often fantasized similarly, only I’d pass on Thomas Jefferson and have Edie Falco over for a post-Carmela henfest instead.

‘I haven’t been drinking your health, my codger,’ replied Mr. Squeers; ‘so you have nothing to do with that.’