“Well, Rosa, well!” said Mrs. Steerforth, as the other was about to interpose, “it is no matter. Let it be. You are married, sir, I am told?”

I answered that I had been some time married.

“And are doing well? I hear little in the quiet life I lead, but I understand you are beginning to be famous.”

“I have been very fortunate,” I said, “and find my name connected with some praise.”

“You have no mother?”⁠—in a softened voice.

“No.”

“It is a pity,” she returned. “She would have been proud of you. Good night!”