out of it, seemed to oppress the poor gentleman when found in these
circumstances.

'My dear, how do you do? I am glad to see you. My dear, how much
improved you are. Permit me to hand you a chair, my dear.'

Miss Twinkleton rose at her little writing-table, saying, with
general sweetness, as to the polite Universe: 'Will you permit me
to retire?'

'By no means, madam, on my account. I beg that you will not move.'

'I must entreat permission to MOVE,' returned Miss Twinkleton,
repeating the word with a charming grace; 'but I will not withdraw,
since you are so obliging. If I wheel my desk to this corner
window, shall I be in the way?'

'Madam! In the way!'

'You are very kind.--Rosa, my dear, you will be under no restraint,
I am sure.'

Here Mr. Grewgious, left by the fire with Rosa, said again: 'My
dear, how do you do? I am glad to see you, my dear.' And having
waited for her to sit down, sat down himself.

'My visits,' said Mr. Grewgious, 'are, like those of the angels--
not that I compare myself to an angel.'

'No, sir,' said Rosa.