“Your regulation is rather awkward to strangers,” said Miss Murdstone.

“Is it!” said my aunt.

Mr. Murdstone seemed afraid of a renewal of hostilities, and interposing began:

“Miss Trotwood!”

“I beg your pardon,” observed my aunt with a keen look. “You are the Mr. Murdstone who married the widow of my late nephew, David Copperfield, of Blunderstone Rookery!⁠—Though why Rookery, I don’t know!”

“I am,” said Mr. Murdstone.