I felt embarrassed by these compliments; but I was sensible, too, of being entertained as an honoured guest, and I thought Mrs. Heep an agreeable woman.

“My Uriah,” said Mrs. Heep, “has looked forward to this, sir, a long while. He had his fears that our ’umbleness stood in the way, and I joined in them myself. ’Umble we are, ’umble we have been, ’umble we shall ever be,” said Mrs. Heep.

“I am sure you have no occasion to be so, ma’am,” I said, “unless you like.”

“Thank you, sir,” retorted Mrs. Heep. “We know our station and are thankful in it.”