“I mean, as to the worth and value of her friend,” Mrs. Lammle explained, in a measured voice, and with an emphasis on her last word.

“No,” he returned. “I may try to give a hint at her home that she is in want of kind and careful protection, but I shall say no more than that to her parents, and I shall say nothing to the young lady herself.”

“ Mr. and Mrs. Boffin,” said Mrs. Lammle, still sketching, and seeming to bestow great pains upon it, “there are not many people, I think, who, under the circumstances, would have been so considerate and sparing as you have been to me just now. Do you care to be thanked?”