“I don’t say that, Sophronia,” Georgiana replied, beginning to conceal her elbows. “I haven’t any notion of a lover. The dreadful wretches that ma brings up at places to torment me, are not lovers. I only mean that Mr. ⁠—”

“Again, dearest Georgiana?”

“That Alfred⁠—”

“Sounds much better, darling.”

“⁠—Loves you so. He always treats you with such delicate gallantry and attention. Now, don’t he?”

“Truly, my dear,” said Mrs. Lammle, with a rather singular expression crossing her face. “I believe that he loves me, fully as much as I love him.”

“Oh, what happiness!” exclaimed Miss Podsnap.