A frightened murmur was the only reply that reached my ears. A silence succeeded. I did not know what to do. Much as I desired to put an end to the interview, I felt that I had no right to present myself; that it was for Mr. Peggotty alone to see her and recover her. Would he never come? I thought impatiently.

“So!” said Rosa Dartle, with a contemptuous laugh, “I see her at last! Why, he was a poor creature to be taken by that delicate mock-modesty, and that hanging head!”

“Oh, for Heaven’s sake, spare me!” exclaimed Emily. “Whoever you are, you know my pitiable story, and for Heaven’s sake spare me, if you would be spared yourself!”

“If I would be spared!” returned the other fiercely; “what is there in common between us , do you think!”