I was so curious to know, that I made up my mind to have it out with Mr.Peggotty.
'Little Em'ly,' I said, glancing at her.

'She is your daughter, isn't she, Mr.Peggotty ?' 'No, sir.

My brother-in-law, Tom, was her father.' I couldn't help it.

'-- Dead, Mr.Peggotty ?' I hinted, after another respectful silence.
'Drowndead,' said Mr.Peggotty.
I felt the difficulty of resuming the subject, but had not got to the bottom of it yet, and must get to the bottom somehow.

So I said: 'Haven't you ANY children, Mr.Peggotty ?' 'No, master,' he answered with a short laugh.