But so it is.

Have you heard him speak of late of any relative of mine or his, called Pecksniff?
Only tell me what I ask you, no more.' 'I have heard, to my surprise, that he is a better man than was supposed.' 'I thought so,' interrupted Martin.
'And that it is likely we may come to know him, if not to visit and reside with him and--I think--his daughters.

He HAS daughters, has he, love ?' 'A pair of them,' Martin answered.

'A precious pair! Gems of the first water!' 'Ah! You are jesting!' 'There is a sort of jesting which is very much in earnest, and includes some pretty serious disgust,' said Martin.

'I jest in reference to Mr Pecksniff (at whose house I have been living as his assistant, and at whose hands I have received insult and injury), in that vein.