“To protect myself against the suspicion of covert self-laudation, my dear Mrs. Boffin,” said the airy Mrs. Lammle therefore, “I must tell you how it was.”

“No. Pray don’t,” Mr. Boffin interposed.

Mrs. Lammle turned to him laughingly. “The Court objects?”

“Ma’am,” said Mr. Boffin, “the Court (if I am the Court) does object. The Court objects for two reasons. First, because the Court don’t think it fair. Secondly, because the dear old lady, Mrs. Court (if I am Mr. ) gets distressed by it.”