the corner
behind him.
    »My intention was to remark, miss,« said Mr. Guppy, »- dear me - something
bronchial, I think - hem! - to remark that you was so good on that occasion as
to repel and repudiate that declaration. You - you wouldn't perhaps object to
admit that? Though no witnesses are present, it might be a satisfaction to - to
your mind - if you was to put in that admission.«
    »There can be no doubt,« said I, »that I declined your proposal without any
reservation or qualification whatever, Mr. Guppy.«
    »Thank you, miss,« he returned, measuring the table with his troubled hands.
»So far that's satisfactory, and it does you credit. Er - this is certainly
bronchial!- must be in the tubes - er - you wouldn't perhaps be offended if I
was to mention - not that it's necessary, for your own good sense or any
person's sense must show 'em that - if I was to mention that such declaration on
my part was final, and there terminated?«
    »I quite understand that,« said I.
    »Perhaps - er - it may not be worth the form, but it might be a satisfaction
to your mind - perhaps you wouldn't object to admit that, miss?« said Mr. Guppy.
    »I admit it most fully and freely,« said I.
    »Thank you,« returned Mr. Guppy. »Very honourable, I am sure. I regret that
my arrangements in life, combined with circumstances over which I have no
control, will put it out of my power ever to fall back upon that offer, or to
renew it in any shape or form whatever; but it will ever be a retrospect
entwined - er - with friendship's bowers.« Mr. Guppy's bronchitis came to his
relief, and stopped his measurement of the table.
    »I may now perhaps mention what I wished to say to you?« I began.
    »I shall be honoured, I am sure,« said Mr. Guppy. »I am so persuaded that
your own good sense and right feeling, miss, will - will keep you as square as
possible - that I can have nothing but pleasure, I am sure, in hearing any
observation you may wish to offer.«
    »You were so good as to imply, on that occasion -«
    »Excuse me, miss,« said Mr. Guppy, »but we had