“Upon my word, ma’am,” said Mr. Magnus, “considering the situation in which I am placed with regard to yourself, you carry this matter off with tolerable coolness⁠—tolerable coolness, ma’am.”

“Cruel Mr. Magnus!” said the middle-aged lady; here she wept very copiously indeed.

“Address your observations to me, sir,” interposed Mr. Pickwick; “I alone am to blame, if anybody be.”

“Oh! you alone are to blame, are you, sir?” said Mr. Magnus; “I⁠—I⁠—see through this, sir. You repent of your determination now, do you?”

“My determination!” said Mr. Pickwick.