“Sir!” said the spinster aunt, rather astonished by the unexpected apparition and somewhat doubtful of Mr. Jingle’s sanity.

“Hush!” said Mr. Jingle, in a stage-whisper⁠—“Large boy⁠—dumpling face⁠—round eyes⁠—rascal!” Here he shook his head expressively, and the spinster aunt trembled with agitation.

“I presume you allude to Joseph, Sir?” said the lady, making an effort to appear composed.

“Yes, ma’am⁠—damn that Joe!⁠—treacherous dog, Joe⁠—told the old lady⁠—old lady furious⁠—wild⁠—raving⁠—arbour⁠—Tupman⁠—kissing and hugging⁠—all that sort of thing⁠—eh, ma’am⁠—eh?”

“ Mr. Jingle,” said the spinster aunt, “if you come here, Sir, to insult me⁠—”