“Ask Georgiana, my soul,” replied his wife.

Alfred touchingly appealed to Georgiana.

“Oh, it was nobody,” replied Miss Podsnap. “It was nonsense.”

“But if you are determined to know, Mr. Inquisitive Pet, as I suppose you are,” said the happy and fond Sophronia, smiling, “it was anyone who should venture to aspire to Georgiana.”

“Sophronia, my love,” remonstrated Mr. Lammle, becoming graver, “you are not serious?”

“Alfred, my love,” returned his wife, “I dare say Georgiana was not, but I am.”