As that was all the rum and water too, or, in other words, as R. W. delicately signified that his glass was empty, by throwing back his head and standing the glass upside down on his nose and upper lip, it might have been charitable in Mrs. Wilfer to suggest replenishment. But that heroine briefly suggesting “Bedtime” instead, the bottles were put away, and the family retired; she cherubically escorted, like some severe saint in a painting, or merely human matron allegorically treated.

“And by this time tomorrow,” said Lavinia when the two girls were alone in their room, “we shall have Mr. Rokesmith here, and shall be expecting to have our throats cut.”