`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.'

`For gracious sake say something else besides ``indeed,'' or you'll fidget me to death,' said Miss Pross: whose character (dissociated from stature) was shortness.'

`Really, then?' said Mr. Lorry, as an amendment.

`Really, is bad enough,' returned Miss Pross, `but better. Yes, I am very much put out.'