“Ah⁠—h!” said Mrs. Sparsit, with another melancholy shake of her head.

“I only hope, ma’am,” pursued Bitzer, “that his friend and relation may not supply him with the means of carrying on. Otherwise, ma’am, we know out of whose pocket that money comes.”

“Ah⁠—h!” sighed Mrs. Sparsit again, with another melancholy shake of her head.

“He is to be pitied, ma’am. The last party I have alluded to, is to be pitied, ma’am,” said Bitzer.

“Yes, Bitzer,” said Mrs. Sparsit. “I have always pitied the delusion, always.”