“Yes! I told George Sampson, as George Sampson tells you,” said Miss Lavvy, “that those hateful Boffins would pick a quarrel with Bella, as soon as her novelty had worn off. Have they done it, or have they not? Was I right, or was I wrong? And what do you say to us, Bella, of your Boffins now?”

“Lavvy and Ma,” said Bella, “I say of Mr. and Mrs. Boffin what I always have said; and I always shall say of them what I always have said. But nothing will induce me to quarrel with anyone tonight. I hope you are not sorry to see me, Ma dear,” kissing her; “and I hope you are not sorry to see me, Lavvy,” kissing her too; “and as I notice the lettuce Ma mentioned, on the table, I’ll make the salad.”