The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

Now my uncle Toby had one evening laid down his pipe upon the table, and was counting over to himself upon his finger ends (beginning at his thumb) all Mrs. Wadman's perfections one by one; and happening two or three times together, either by omitting some, or counting others twice over, to puzzle himself sadly before he could get beyond his middle finger -- -- -Prithee, Trim! said he, taking up his pipe again, -- -- -bring me a pen and ink: Trim brought paper also.

Take a full sheet -- -- -Trim! said my uncle Toby, making a sign with his pipe at the same time to take a chair and sit down close by him at the table. The corporal obeyed -- -- -placed the paper directly before him -- -- -took a pen, and dipp'd it in the ink.