“Thank you, ma’am,” said Bitzer, knuckling his forehead again, in return for the favour of Mrs. Sparsit’s improving conversation. “Would you wish a little more hot water, ma’am, or is there anything else that I could fetch you?”

“Nothing just now, Bitzer.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I shouldn’t wish to disturb you at your meals, ma’am, particularly tea, knowing your partiality for it,” said Bitzer, craning a little to look over into the street from where he stood; “but there’s a gentleman been looking up here for a minute or so, ma’am, and he has come across as if he was going to knock. That is his knock, ma’am, no doubt.”

He stepped to the window; and looking out, and drawing in his head again, confirmed himself with, “Yes, ma’am. Would you wish the gentleman to be shown in, ma’am?”