"Where did you learn how I speak of others? Come, come," said Estella, smiling delightfully, "you must not expect me to go to school to you; I must talk in my own way. How do you thrive with Mr. Pocket?"

     "I live quite pleasantly there; at least--" It appeared to me that I was losing a chance.

     "At least?" repeated Estella.

     "As pleasantly as I could anywhere, away from you."

     "You silly boy," said Estella, quite composedly, "how can you talk such nonsense? Your friend Mr. Matthew, I believe, is superior to the rest of his family?"

     "Very superior indeed. He is nobody's enemy--" --"Don't add but his own," interposed Estella, "for I hate that class of man. But he really is disinterested, and above small jealousy and spite, I have heard?"

     "I am sure I have every reason to say so."