“Ah, there is not the slightest doubt of that,” returned Sir William; “but, of course, there are exceptional cases.”
“Very few, I fancy.”
“But the wretch knocked my hat over my eyes,” cried Lord Fitzbogleton.
“Do be quiet, and leave the other gentlemen to discuss the question,” observed Arabella Lovejoyce.
“Oh, if you wish it, I will remain silent.”
“I do wish it.”
“Weally, Awabella, you are vewy pwovoking.”
“And very unjust as well, my lord,” remarked Quirp. “The fact of his knocking your hat over your eyes is an additional reason for his not having mercy shown to him.”
“Well, gentlemen,” said Lady Batershall, “it is not much use discussing the question now. Make yourselves as happy and comfortable as possible, and forget that a burglar has disturbed the harmony of the evening for a brief period.”
“Well said,” cried Sir William Leathbridge. “I move that we adjourn the discussion sine die. How say you?”