“I should think not,” said Mrs. Mann, who had of course laughed very much at Mr. Bumble’s humour.

“You want for nothing, I’m sure.”

“I should like⁠—” faltered the child.

“Heyday!” interposed Mrs. Mann, “I suppose you’re going to say that you do want for something, now? Why, you little wretch⁠—”

“Stop, Mrs. Mann, stop!” said the beadle, raising his hand with a show of authority. “Like what, sir, eh?”