“And all this,” cried Alfred, after studying with a look the meanness that was fain to have the meanest help, and yet was so mean as to turn upon it: “all this because of one simple natural question!”

“You should have waited till I thought proper to say something about it of myself. I don’t like your coming over me with your Georgianas, as if you was her proprietor and mine too.”

“Well, when you are in the gracious mind to say anything about it of yourself,” retorted Lammle, “pray do.”

“I have done it. I have said you managed capitally. You and your wife both. If you’ll go on managing capitally, I’ll go on doing my part. Only don’t crow.”

“I crow!” exclaimed Lammle, shrugging his shoulders.