Lifting the saucepan on to the hob, she turned to Mr.Elster.
"Don't you believe any such nonsense, sir," she said, in tones of strange emphasis.

"It was no more Pike than it was me.

The man keeps himself to himself, and troubles nobody; and for that very reason idle folk carp at him, like the mischief-making idiots they are!" "I thought there was nothing in it," remarked Mr.Elster.
"I'm _sure_ there isn't," said Mirrable, conclusively.

"Would you like some broiled ham, sir ?" "I should like anything good and substantial, for I'm as hungry as a hunter.

But, Mirrable, you don't ask what has brought me here so suddenly." The tone was significant, and Mirrable looked at him.