“Hold! I will not allow this. Do you not know what is due to guests? Do you not comprehend that in presuming to hint that this lady and gentleman could have any idea of patronizing any member of your family⁠—I care not which⁠—you accuse them of an impertinence little less than insane?”

“Never mind me and Mrs. Boffin, ma’am,” said Mr. Boffin, smilingly: “we don’t care.”

“Pardon me, but I do,” returned Mrs. Wilfer.

Miss Lavinia laughed a short laugh as she muttered, “Yes, to be sure.”