"Dame Trot," said he, receiving me with a kiss, "welcome to the growlery again, my dear. I have a scheme to develop, little woman. I propose to remain here, perhaps for six months, perhaps for a longer time--as it may be. Quite to settle here for a while, in short."
"And in the meanwhile leave Bleak House?" said I.
"Aye, my dear? Bleak House," he returned, "must learn to take care of itself."
I thought his tone sounded sorrowful, but looking at him, I saw his kind face lighted up by its pleasantest smile.

"Dame Trot," said he, "welcome to the growlery again, my dear. I have a scheme, little woman. I propose to remain here, perhaps for six months, perhaps more. Quite to settle here for a while, in short."
"And in the meanwhile leave Bleak House?" said I.
"Bleak House," he returned, "must learn to take care of itself."
I thought he sounded sorrowful, but looking up I saw his kind face lighted up by its pleasantest smile.
