“Dearest Ma and Lavvy, you both take sugar, I know. And Pa (you good little Pa), you don’t take milk. John does. I didn’t before I was married; but I do now, because John does. John dear, did you kiss Ma and Lavvy? Oh, you did! Quite correct, John dear; but I didn’t see you do it, so I asked. Cut some bread and butter, John; that’s a love. Ma likes it doubled. And now you must tell me, dearest Ma and Lavvy, upon your words and honours! Didn’t you for a moment⁠—just a moment⁠—think I was a dreadful little wretch when I wrote to say I had run away?”

Before Mrs. Wilfer could wave her gloves, the Mendicant’s bride in her merriest affectionate manner went on again.