“What is this about husbands and detestations?” inquired the captivating Alfred.

“Why, they say,” returned his wife, “that listeners never hear any good of themselves; though you⁠—but pray how long have you been here, sir?”

“This instant arrived, my own.”

“Then I may go on⁠—though if you had been here but a moment or two sooner, you would have heard your praises sounded by Georgiana.”

“Only, if they were to be called praises at all which I really don’t think they were,” explained Miss Podsnap in a flutter, “for being so devoted to Sophronia.”

“Sophronia!” murmured Alfred. “My life!” and kissed her hand. In return for which she kissed his watch-chain.

“But it was not I who was to be taken away and trampled upon, I hope?” said Alfred, drawing a seat between them.