“Oh, sir!” Mr. Tupman looked most impressive; and Rachael expressed her fear that more guns were going off, in which case, of course, she should have required support again.

“Do you think my dear nieces pretty?” whispered their affectionate aunt to Mr. Tupman.

“I should, if their aunt wasn’t here,” replied the ready Pickwickian, with a passionate glance.

“Oh, you naughty man⁠—but really, if their complexions were a little better, don’t you think they would be nice-looking girls⁠—by candlelight?”

“Yes; I think they would,” said Mr. Tupman, with an air of indifference.

“Oh, you quiz⁠—I know what you were going to say.”