A very awkward pause on Mr. Bounderby’s part, succeeded. Mrs. Sparsit sedately resumed her work and occasionally gave a small cough, which sounded like the cough of conscious strength and forbearance.

“Well, ma’am,” resumed Bounderby, “under these circumstances, I imagine it would not be agreeable to a character like yours to remain here, though you would be very welcome here.”

“Oh, dear no, sir, I could on no account think of that!” Mrs. Sparsit shook her head, still in her highly superior manner, and a little changed the small cough⁠—coughing now, as if the spirit of prophecy rose within her, but had better be coughed down.