But this was not the time for recrimination, so he assumed his most agreeable manner and said with a gracious smile,``Excuse me, sir, but are they not going to give me any dinner?''

I might have had more difficulty in constraining myself to be silent under his words, if I had had less difficulty in impressing upon Peggotty (who was only angry on my account, good creature!) that we were not in a place for recrimination, and that I besought her to hold her peace.