Miss Podsnap looked at the door, as if she entertained confused thoughts of taking refuge from these compliments in flight.

“Now, I will be judged,” said Mr. Lammle, raising his voice a little, “by my friend Fledgeby.”

“Oh don’t! ” Miss Podsnap faintly ejaculated: when Mrs. Lammle took the promptbook.

“I beg your pardon, Alfred, my dear, but I cannot part with Mr. Fledgeby quite yet; you must wait for him a moment. Mr. Fledgeby and I are engaged in a personal discussion.”