`And why wonder at that?' was the abrupt inquiry that made him start.

It proceeded from Miss Pross, the wild red woman, strong of hand, whose acquaintance he had first made at the Royal George Hotel at Dover, and had since improved.

`I should have thought---`Mr. Lorry began.

`Pooh! You'd have thought!' said Miss Pross; and Mr. Lorry left off.

`How do you do?' inquired that lady then--sharply, and yet as if to express that she bore him no malice.

`I am pretty well, I thank you,' answered Mr. Lorry, with meekness; `how are you?'

`Nothing to boast of,' said Miss Pross.

`Ah! indeed!' said Miss Pross. `I am very much put out about my Ladybird.'