“Pretty fair, ma’am. With the usual exception, ma’am,” repeated Bitzer.

“Ah⁠—h!” said Mrs. Sparsit, shaking her head over her teacup, and taking a long gulp.

“ Mr. Thomas, ma’am, I doubt Mr. Thomas very much, ma’am, I don’t like his ways at all.”

“Bitzer,” said Mrs. Sparsit, in a very impressive manner, “do you recollect my having said anything to you respecting names?”

“I beg your pardon, ma’am. It’s quite true that you did object to names being used, and they’re always best avoided.”