“My intention was to remark, miss,” said Mr. Guppy, “dear me⁠—something bronchial, I think⁠—hem!⁠—to remark that you was so good on that occasion as to repel and repudiate that declaration. You⁠—you wouldn’t perhaps object to admit that? Though no witnesses are present, it might be a satisfaction to⁠—to your mind⁠—if you was to put in that admission.”

“There can be no doubt,” said I, “that I declined your proposal without any reservation or qualification whatever, Mr. Guppy.”

“Thank you, miss,” he returned, measuring the table with his troubled hands. “So far that’s satisfactory, and it does you credit. Er⁠—this is certainly bronchial!⁠—must be in the tubes⁠—er⁠—you wouldn’t perhaps be offended if I was to mention⁠—not that it’s necessary, for your own good sense or any person’s sense must show ’em that⁠—if I was to mention that such declaration on my part was final, and there terminated?”