has her failings—­as who has not?—­but I never knew her do it when company was present, at which time you may freely trust her with wines, spirits, or malt liquors.  My own abode is lodgings at Penton Place, Pentonville.  It is lowly, but airy, open at the back, and considered one of the ’ealthiest outlets.  Miss Summerson!  In the mildest language, I adore you.  Would you be so kind as to allow me (as I may say) to file a declaration—­to make an offer!”

Mr. Guppy went down on his knees.  I was well behind my table and not much frightened.  I said, “Get up from that ridiculous position immediately, sir, or you will oblige me to break my implied promise and ring the bell!”

“Hear me out, miss!” said Mr. Guppy, folding his hands.

“I cannot consent to hear another word, sir,” I returned, “Unless you get up from the carpet directly and go and sit down at the table as you ought to do if you have any sense at all.”

He looked piteously, but slowly rose and did so.

“Yet what a mockery it is, miss,” he said with his hand upon his heart and shaking his head at me in a melancholy manner over the tray, “to be stationed behind food at such a moment.  The soul recoils from food at such a moment, miss.”

“I beg you to conclude,” said I; “you have asked me to hear you out, and I beg you to conclude.”

“I will, miss,” said Mr. Guppy.  “As I love and honour, so likewise I obey.  Would that I could make thee the subject of that vow before the shrine!”

“That is quite impossible,” said I, “and entirely out of the question.”

“I am aware,” said Mr. Guppy, leaning forward over the tray and regarding me, as I again strangely felt, though my eyes were not directed to him, with his late intent look, “I am aware that in a worldly point of view, according to all appearances, my offer is a poor one.  But, Miss Summerson!  Angel!  No, don’t ring—­I have been brought up in a sharp school and am accustomed to a variety of general practice.  Though a young man, I have ferreted out evidence, got up cases, and seen lots of life.  Blest with your hand, what means might I not find of advancing your interests and pushing your fortunes!  What might I not get to know, nearly concerning you?  I know nothing now, certainly; but what might I not if I had your confidence, and you set me on?”

I told him that he addressed my interest or what he supposed to be my interest quite as unsuccessfully as he addressed my inclination, and he would now understand that I requested him, if he pleased, to go away immediately.