“Very well, Ma,” returned Lavvy, “then I think you had much better have left it alone.”

The lofty glare with which the majestic woman received this answer, might have embarrassed a less pert opponent, but it had no effect upon Lavinia: who, leaving her parent to the enjoyment of any amount of glaring at she might deem desirable under the circumstances, accosted her sister, undismayed.

“I suppose you won’t consider yourself quite disgraced, Bella, if I give you a kiss? Well! And how do you do, Bella? And how are your Boffins?”

“Peace!” exclaimed Mrs. Wilfer. “Hold! I will not suffer this tone of levity.”

“My goodness me! How are your Spoffins, then?” said Lavvy, “since Ma so very much objects to your Boffins.”

“Impertinent girl! Minx!” said Mrs. Wilfer, with dread severity.