Having delivered himself of these remarks, Mr. Boffin took a trot, according to his usual custom, and trotted back to the spot from which he had started.

“As to the letter, Rokesmith,” said Mr. Boffin, “you’re as right as a trivet. Give her the letter, make her take the letter, put it in her pocket by violence. She might fall sick. You know you might fall sick,” said Mr. Boffin. “Don’t deny it, Mrs. Higden, in your obstinacy; you know you might.”

Old Betty laughed, and said that she would take the letter and be thankful.