"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."

I - I think, miss - dear me, something bronchial - er - I think you was so good on that occasion as to repel that declaration. You - you wouldn't perhaps object to admitting that?"
