“Haven’t you any children, Mr. Peggotty?”

“No, master,” he answered with a short laugh. “I’m a bacheldore.”

“A bachelor!” I said, astonished. “Why, who’s that, Mr. Peggotty?” pointing to the person in the apron who was knitting.

“That’s Missis Gummidge,” said Mr. Peggotty.

“Gummidge, Mr. Peggotty?”