Mrs. Lammle disdained to reply, and sat defiantly beating one foot on the ground.

“Again I think I may say, that’s not impossible. Is it, sir?” asked Mr. Boffin, turning to Alfred.

“It is not,” said Alfred, smiling assent as before, “not impossible.”

“Now,” said Mr. Boffin, gently, “it won’t do. I don’t wish to say a single word that might be afterwards remembered as unpleasant; but it won’t do.”

“Sophronia, my love,” her husband repeated in a bantering manner, “you hear? It won’t do.”