But he never thought--never, my poor, dear, sanguine Richard, capable of so much happiness then, and with such better things before him--what a fatal link was riveting between his fresh youth and her faded age, between his free hopes and her caged birds, and her hungry garret, and her wandering mind.

But he never thought - my poor, dear, sanguine Richard, capable of so much happiness then - what a fatal link was joining his fresh youth to her faded age, and her hungry garret, and her wandering mind.


Ada loved him too well to mistrust him much in anything he said or did, and my guardian, though he frequently complained of the east wind and read more than usual in the growlery, preserved a strict silence on the subject.

Ada loved him too well to mistrust him, and my guardian, though he frequently complained of the east wind, preserved a strict silence on the subject.


So I thought one day when I went to London to meet Caddy Jellyby, at her solicitation, I would ask Richard to be in waiting for me at the coach-office, that we might have a little talk together.

So one day when I went to London to meet Caddy Jellyby, at her request, I asked Richard to wait for me at the coach-office, so that we might have a little talk together.


I found him there when I arrived, and we walked away arm in arm.


"Well, Richard," said I as soon as I could begin to be grave with him, "are you beginning to feel more settled now?"

"Well, Richard," said I, "are you beginning to feel more settled now?"


"Oh, aye," replied Richard, "I'm all right enough."


"You said that before, my dear Richard."


"And you don't think it's an answer, eh?


You mean, do I feel as if I were settling down?"


"Why, no, I can't say I am settling down," said Richard, strongly emphasizing "down," as if that expressed the difficulty, "because one can't settle down while this business remains in such an unsettled state.

"Why, no, I can't say I am settling down," said Richard, "because one can't settle down while this business remains in such an unsettled state.


When I say this business, of course I mean the--forbidden subject."

When I say this business, of course I mean the - forbidden subject."


"Do you think it will ever be in a settled state?"


"Not the least doubt of it," answered Richard.


We walked a little way without speaking, and presently Richard addressed me in his frankest and most feeling manner, thus: "My dear Esther, I understand you, and I wish to heaven I were a more constant sort of fellow.

After a moment he said in his frankest and most feeling manner, "My dear Esther, I understand you, and I wish to heaven I were a more constant sort of fellow.


I don't mean constant to Ada, for I love her dearly--better and better every day--but constant to myself.

I don't mean constant to Ada, for I love her better every day - but constant to myself.


(Somehow, I mean something that I can't very well express, but you'll make it out.)


If I were a more constant sort of fellow, I should have held on either to Badger or to Kenge and Carboy like grim death, and should have begun to be steady and systematic by this time, and shouldn't be in debt, and--"

If I were a more constant sort of fellow, I should have held on either to Badger or to Kenge and Carboy, and should have begun to be steady by this time, and shouldn't be in debt, and-"


"Yes," said Richard, "I am a little so, my dear.

"Yes," said Richard, "A little, my dear.


Also, I have taken rather too much to billiards and that sort of thing.


Now the murder's out; you despise me, Esther, don't you?"


"You are kinder to me than I often am to myself," he returned.

"You are kinder to me than I often am to myself.


"My dear Esther, I am a very unfortunate dog not to be more settled, but how CAN I be more settled?

My dear Esther, how can I be more settled?


If you lived in an unfinished house, you couldn't settle down in it; if you were condemned to leave everything you undertook unfinished, you would find it hard to apply yourself to anything; and yet that's my unhappy case.

If you lived in an unfinished house, you couldn't settle down in it; yet that's my unhappy case.


I was born into this unfinished contention with all its chances and changes, and it began to unsettle me before I quite knew the difference between a suit at law and a suit of clothes; and it has gone on unsettling me ever since; and here I am now, conscious sometimes that I am but a worthless fellow to love my confiding cousin Ada."

I was born into this unfinished contention with all its chances and changes, and it began to unsettle me before I knew the difference between a suit at law and a suit of clothes; and it has gone on unsettling me ever since; and I know that I am but a worthless fellow to love my cousin Ada."


We were in a solitary place, and he put his hands before his eyes and sobbed as he said the words.

We were in a solitary place, and he put his hands before his eyes and sobbed as he said this.


"You have a noble nature, and Ada's love may make you worthier every day."


"I know, my dear," he replied, pressing my arm, "I know all that.


You mustn't mind my being a little soft now, for I have had all this upon my mind for a long time, and have often meant to speak to you, and have sometimes wanted opportunity and sometimes courage.

But I have had all this upon my mind for a long time, and have often meant to speak to you, if I had the courage.


I know what the thought of Ada ought to do for me, but it doesn't do it.

I know what the thought of Ada ought to do for me, but it doesn't.


I love her most devotedly, and yet I do her wrong, in doing myself wrong, every day and hour.

I love her most devotedly, and yet I do her wrong, in doing myself wrong, every day.


We shall come on for a final hearing and get judgment in our favour, and then you and Ada shall see what I can really be!"


It had given me a pang to hear him sob and see the tears start out between his fingers, but that was infinitely less affecting to me than the hopeful animation with which he said these words.

It had given me a pang to hear him sob, but it was worse to see the hopeful animation with which he said these words.


"I have looked well into the papers, Esther.


I have been deep in them for months," he continued, recovering his cheerfulness in a moment, "and you may rely upon it that we shall come out triumphant.


As to years of delay, there has been no want of them, heaven knows!


And there is the greater probability of our bringing the matter to a speedy close; in fact, it's on the paper now.


It will be all right at last, and then you shall see!"

it will be all right at last, and then you shall see!"


Recalling how he had just now placed Messrs. Kenge and Carboy in the same category with Mr. Badger, I asked him when he intended to be articled in Lincoln's Inn.


"I think not at all, Esther," he returned with an effort.


Having worked at Jarndyce and Jarndyce like a galley slave, I have slaked my thirst for the law and satisfied myself that I shouldn't like it.

Having worked at Jarndyce and Jarndyce like a galley slave, I have slaked my thirst for the law and found that I shouldn't like it.


Besides, I find it unsettles me more and more to be so constantly upon the scene of action.

Besides, it unsettles me to be so constantly upon the scene of action.


So what," continued Richard, confident again by this time, "do I naturally turn my thoughts to?"

So what," continued Richard, confident again, "do I naturally turn my thoughts to?"


"Don't look so serious," returned Richard, "because it's the best thing I can do, my dear Esther, I am certain.

"It's the best thing I can do, my dear Esther, I am certain.


It's not as if I wanted a profession for life.


These proceedings will come to a termination, and then I am provided for.

The suit will end, and then I am provided for.


I look upon it as a pursuit which is in its nature more or less unsettled, and therefore suited to my temporary condition--I may say, precisely suited.

Now this profession is unsettled, and is therefore suited to my temporary condition.


What is it that I naturally turn my thoughts to?"


"What," said Richard, in a tone of perfect conviction, "but the army!"


What I have to do is to get a commission; and--there I am, you know!"

"All I have to do is to get a commission; and - there I am, you know!"


And then he showed me, proved by elaborate calculations in his pocket-book, that supposing he had contracted, say, two hundred pounds of debt in six months out of the army; and that he contracted no debt at all within a corresponding period in the army--as to which he had quite made up his mind; this step must involve a saving of four hundred pounds in a year, or two thousand pounds in five years, which was a considerable sum.

And then he showed me, proved by elaborate calculations in his pocket-book, that supposing he had contracted two hundred pounds of debt in six months out of the army; and that he contracted no debt at all during six months in the army - as he intended; this way he would save four hundred pounds a year, which was a considerable sum.


And then he spoke so ingenuously and sincerely of the sacrifice he made in withdrawing himself for a time from Ada, and of the earnestness with which he aspired--as in thought he always did, I know full well--to repay her love, and to ensure her happiness, and to conquer what was amiss in himself, and to acquire the very soul of decision, that he made my heart ache keenly, sorely.

And then he spoke so sincerely of the sacrifice he made in withdrawing himself for a time from Ada, and of the earnestness with which he hoped to repay her love, and to conquer what was amiss in himself, that he made my heart ache sorely.


For, I thought, how would this end, how could this end, when so soon and so surely all his manly qualities were touched by the fatal blight that ruined everything it rested on!

For, I thought, how would this end, how could this end, when all his manly qualities were touched by the fatal blight that ruined everything it rested on!


I spoke to Richard with all the earnestness I felt, and all the hope I could not quite feel then, and implored him for Ada's sake not to put any trust in Chancery.

I spoke earnestly to Richard, imploring him for Ada's sake not to put any trust in Chancery.


To all I said, Richard readily assented, riding over the court and everything else in his easy way and drawing the brightest pictures of the character he was to settle into--alas, when the grievous suit should loose its hold upon him!

Richard readily assented, drawing the brightest pictures of the character he was to settle into - alas, when the grievous suit should loose its hold upon him!


We had a long talk, but it always came back to that, in substance.


At last we came to Soho Square, where Caddy Jellyby had appointed to wait for me, as a quiet place in the neighbourhood of Newman Street.

At last we arrived at Soho Square, where Caddy Jellyby was waiting for me at the garden in the centre.


Caddy was in the garden in the centre and hurried out as soon as I appeared.


After a few cheerful words, Richard left us together.


"Prince has a pupil over the way, Esther," said Caddy, "and got the key for us.

"Prince has a pupil over the way, Esther," said Caddy, "and got the garden key for us.


So if you will walk round and round here with me, we can lock ourselves in and I can tell you comfortably what I wanted to see your dear good face about."

So if you will walk round here with me, we can lock ourselves in and I can tell you comfortably what I wanted to see your dear good face about."


So Caddy, after affectionately squeezing the dear good face as she called it, locked the gate, and took my arm, and we began to walk round the garden very cosily.

So Caddy, after affectionately hugging me, locked the gate, and took my arm, and we began to walk round the garden very cosily.


"You see, Esther," said Caddy, who thoroughly enjoyed a little confidence, "after you spoke to me about its being wrong to marry without Ma's knowledge, or even to keep Ma long in the dark respecting our engagement--though I don't believe Ma cares much for me, I must say--I thought it right to mention your opinions to Prince.

"You see, Esther," said Caddy, "after you spoke to me about its being wrong to marry without Ma's knowledge, or even to keep Ma long in the dark about our engagement, I thought it right to mention your opinions to Prince."


In the first place because I want to profit by everything you tell me, and in the second place because I have no secrets from Prince."


I assure you he would approve of anything you could say.


You have no idea what an opinion he has of you!"


"Esther, it's enough to make anybody but me jealous," said Caddy, laughing and shaking her head; "but it only makes me joyful, for you are the first friend I ever had, and the best friend I ever can have, and nobody can respect and love you too much to please me."

"Esther, it's enough to make anybody but me jealous," said Caddy, laughing; "but it only makes me joyful, for you are the first friend I ever had, and the best friend I ever can have.


"Upon my word, Caddy," said I, "you are in the general conspiracy to keep me in a good humour.


I am going to tell you," replied Caddy, crossing her hands confidentially upon my arm.


"So we talked a good deal about it, and so I said to Prince, 'Prince, as Miss Summerson--'"


"I hope you didn't say 'Miss Summerson'?"


cried Caddy, greatly pleased and with the brightest of faces.


I said to Prince, 'As Esther is decidedly of that opinion, Prince, and has expressed it to me, and always hints it when she writes those kind notes, which you are so fond of hearing me read to you, I am prepared to disclose the truth to Ma whenever you think proper.

I said to Prince, 'As Esther is decidedly of that opinion, Prince, I am prepared to disclose the truth to Ma whenever you think proper.


And I think, Prince,' said I, 'that Esther thinks that I should be in a better, and truer, and more honourable position altogether if you did the same to your papa.'"

And I think, Prince,' said I, 'that Esther thinks that I should be in a more honourable position if you did the same to your papa.'"


This troubled Prince a good deal, not because he had the least doubt about it, but because he is so considerate of the feelings of old Mr. Turveydrop; and he had his apprehensions that old Mr. Turveydrop might break his heart, or faint away, or be very much overcome in some affecting manner or other if he made such an announcement.

This troubled Prince a good deal, because he is so considerate of the feelings of old Mr. Turveydrop; and he feared he might break his heart, or faint away if he made such an announcement.


He feared old Mr. Turveydrop might consider it undutiful and might receive too great a shock.


For old Mr. Turveydrop's deportment is very beautiful, you know, Esther," said Caddy, "and his feelings are extremely sensitive."

For old Mr. Turveydrop's feelings are extremely sensitive."


Now, this has caused my darling child--I didn't mean to use the expression to you, Esther," Caddy apologized, her face suffused with blushes, "but I generally call Prince my darling child."

Now, this has caused my darling child - I didn't mean to use the expression to you, Esther," Caddy apologized, blushing, "but I generally call Prince my darling child."


I laughed; and Caddy laughed and blushed, and went on.


said Caddy, laughing, with her pretty face on fire.


"My darling child, if you insist upon it!


This has caused him weeks of uneasiness and has made him delay, from day to day, in a very anxious manner.

"This has caused him weeks of uneasiness and has made him delay, from day to day.


At last he said to me, 'Caddy, if Miss Summerson, who is a great favourite with my father, could be prevailed upon to be present when I broke the subject, I think I could do it.'

At last he said to me, 'Caddy, if Miss Summerson, who is a great favourite with my father, could be present when I broke the subject, I think I could do it.'


And I made up my mind, besides," said Caddy, looking at me hopefully but timidly, "that if you consented, I would ask you afterwards to come with me to Ma.

And I made up my mind, besides," said Caddy, looking at me hopefully but timidly, "that I would ask you afterwards to come with me to Ma.


This is what I meant when I said in my note that I had a great favour and a great assistance to beg of you.


And if you thought you could grant it, Esther, we should both be very grateful."

If you thought you could grant it, Esther, we should both be very grateful."


"Let me see, Caddy," said I, pretending to consider.


"Really, I think I could do a greater thing than that if the need were pressing.


"Really, I am at your service and the darling child's, my dear, whenever you like."


Caddy was quite transported by this reply of mine, being, I believe, as susceptible to the least kindness or encouragement as any tender heart that ever beat in this world; and after another turn or two round the garden, during which she put on an entirely new pair of gloves and made herself as resplendent as possible that she might do no avoidable discredit to the Master of Deportment, we went to Newman Street direct.

Caddy was quite transported by this reply; and so we went to Newman Street.


We found him engaged with a not very hopeful pupil--a stubborn little girl with a sulky forehead, a deep voice, and an inanimate, dissatisfied mama--whose case was certainly not rendered more hopeful by the confusion into which we threw her preceptor.

a stubborn little girl with a sulky forehead and a dissatisfied mama.


The lesson at last came to an end, after proceeding as discordantly as possible; and when the little girl had changed her shoes and had had her white muslin extinguished in shawls, she was taken away.

The lesson at last came to an end; and when the little girl had changed her shoes and had been wrapped in shawls, she was taken away.


After a few words of preparation, we then went in search of Mr. Turveydrop, whom we found, grouped with his hat and gloves, as a model of deportment, on the sofa in his private apartment--the only comfortable room in the house.

We then went in search of Mr. Turveydrop, whom we found, a model of deportment, on the sofa in his private apartment - the only comfortable room in the house.


He appeared to have dressed at his leisure in the intervals of a light collation, and his dressing-case, brushes, and so forth, all of quite an elegant kind, lay about.

He appeared to have dressed at his leisure in the intervals of a light lunch, and his elegant dressing-case, brushes, and so forth, lay about.


said Mr. Turveydrop, rising with his high-shouldered bow.


Recomposing himself on the sofa like the second gentleman in Europe.


"Again you find us, Miss Summerson," said he, "using our little arts to polish, polish!

You find us, Miss Summerson, using our little arts to polish, polish!


Again the sex stimulates us and rewards us by the condescension of its lovely presence.


It is much in these times (and we have made an awfully degenerating business of it since the days of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent--my patron, if I may presume to say so) to experience that deportment is not wholly trodden under foot by mechanics.


That it can yet bask in the smile of beauty, my dear madam."

Deportment can yet bask in the smile of beauty, my dear madam."


I said nothing, which I thought a suitable reply; and he took a pinch of snuff.


"My dear son," said Mr. Turveydrop, "you have four schools this afternoon.

added, "My dear son, you have four schools this afternoon.


"Thank you, father," returned Prince, "I will be sure to be punctual.


My dear father, may I beg you to prepare your mind for what I am going to say?"


exclaimed the model, pale and aghast as Prince and Caddy, hand in hand, bent down before him.


"Father," returned Prince with great submission, "I love this young lady, and we are engaged."


cried Mr. Turveydrop, reclining on the sofa and shutting out the sight with his hand.


"An arrow launched at my brain by my own child!"


"We have been engaged for some time, father," faltered Prince, "and Miss Summerson, hearing of it, advised that we should declare the fact to you and was so very kind as to attend on the present occasion.

"We have been engaged for some time, father," faltered Prince, "and Miss Summerson advised that we should declare the fact to you.


Miss Jellyby is a young lady who deeply respects you, father."


"Miss Jellyby is a young lady who deeply respects you, and our first desire is to consider your comfort."

"Our first desire is to consider your comfort."


"Boy," said Mr. Turveydrop, "it is well that your sainted mother is spared this pang.


"Pray don't say so, father," implored Prince, in tears.


I do assure you, father, that our first wish and intention is to consider your comfort.


Caroline and I do not forget our duty--what is my duty is Caroline's, as we have often said together--and with your approval and consent, father, we will devote ourselves to making your life agreeable."

Caroline and I do not forget our duty, and with your approval, father, we will devote ourselves to making your life agreeable."


But he seemed to listen, I thought, too.


"My dear father," returned Prince, "we well know what little comforts you are accustomed to and have a right to, and it will always be our study and our pride to provide those before anything.

"My dear father," returned Prince, "it will always be our study and our pride to provide your comforts.


If you will bless us with your approval and consent, father, we shall not think of being married until it is quite agreeable to you; and when we ARE married, we shall always make you--of course--our first consideration.

We shall not think of being married until it is quite agreeable to you; and when we are married, we shall always make you - of course - our first consideration.


You must ever be the head and master here, father; and we feel how truly unnatural it would be in us if we failed to know it or if we failed to exert ourselves in every possible way to please you."

You must ever be the head and master here, father; and we shall exert ourselves in every possible way to please you."


Mr. Turveydrop underwent a severe internal struggle and came upright on the sofa again with his cheeks puffing over his stiff cravat, a perfect model of parental deportment.

Mr. Turveydrop underwent a severe internal struggle and came upright on the sofa again, a perfect model of parental deportment.


His benignity as he raised his future daughter-in-law and stretched out his hand to his son (who kissed it with affectionate respect and gratitude) was the most confusing sight I ever saw.

He stretched out his hand to his son, who kissed it with gratitude.


"My children," said Mr. Turveydrop, paternally encircling Caddy with his left arm as she sat beside him, and putting his right hand gracefully on his hip.


"My son and daughter, your happiness shall be my care.


You shall always live with me"--meaning, of course, I will always live with you--"this house is henceforth as much yours as mine; consider it your home.

You shall always live with me" (meaning, of course, I will always live with you) - "this house is henceforth as much yours as mine; consider it your home.


The power of his deportment was such that they really were as much overcome with thankfulness as if, instead of quartering himself upon them for the rest of his life, he were making some munificent sacrifice in their favour.

The power of his deportment was such that they were overcome with thankfulness, as if he were making some sacrifice in their favour.


"For myself, my children," said Mr. Turveydrop, "I am falling into the sear and yellow leaf, and it is impossible to say how long the last feeble traces of gentlemanly deportment may linger in this weaving and spinning age.

"For myself, my children," said Mr. Turveydrop, "I am falling into the sere and yellow leaf, and it is impossible to say how long the last feeble traces of gentlemanly deportment may linger.


But, so long, I will do my duty to society and will show myself, as usual, about town.


My little apartment here, my few essentials for the toilet, my frugal morning meal, and my little dinner will suffice.

My little apartment here, my few essentials for dressing, my frugal morning meal, and my little dinner will suffice.


I charge your dutiful affection with the supply of these requirements, and I charge myself with all the rest."

I ask you to supply these requirements, and I will supply the rest."


They were overpowered afresh by his uncommon generosity.

They were overpowered afresh by his generosity.


"My son," said Mr. Turveydrop, "for those little points in which you are deficient--points of deportment, which are born with a man, which may be improved by cultivation, but can never be originated--you may still rely on me.

"My son," said Mr. Turveydrop, "for those little points of deportment in which you are deficient, you may still rely on me.


I have been faithful to my post since the days of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and I will not desert it now.


If you have ever contemplated your father's poor position with a feeling of pride, you may rest assured that he will do nothing to tarnish it.


For yourself, Prince, whose character is different (we cannot be all alike, nor is it advisable that we should), work, be industrious, earn money, and extend the connexion as much as possible."

For yourself, Prince, work, be industrious and earn money.


"That you may depend I will do, dear father, with all my heart," replied Prince.


"I have no doubt of it," said Mr. Turveydrop.


"Your qualities are not shining, my dear child, but they are steady and useful.


And to both of you, my children, I would merely observe, in the spirit of a sainted wooman on whose path I had the happiness of casting, I believe, SOME ray of light, take care of the establishment, take care of my simple wants, and bless you both!"

And to both of you, my children, take care of my simple wants, and bless you both!"


Old Mr. Turveydrop then became so very gallant, in honour of the occasion, that I told Caddy we must really go to Thavies Inn at once if we were to go at all that day.

Old Mr. Turveydrop then became so very gallant that I told Caddy we must really go at once if we were to go at all that day.


So we took our departure after a very loving farewell between Caddy and her betrothed, and during our walk she was so happy and so full of old Mr. Turveydrop's praises that I would not have said a word in his disparagement for any consideration.

So we left after a very loving farewell between Caddy and her betrothed, and during our walk she was so happy and so full of old Mr. Turveydrop's praises that I would not have said a word against him.


The house in Thavies Inn had bills in the windows announcing that it was to let, and it looked dirtier and gloomier and ghastlier than ever.

The Jellybys' house in Thavies Inn had bills in the windows announcing that it was to let, and it looked dirtier and gloomier than ever.


The name of poor Mr. Jellyby had appeared in the list of bankrupts but a day or two before, and he was shut up in the dining-room with two gentlemen and a heap of blue bags, account-books, and papers, making the most desperate endeavours to understand his affairs.

The name of poor Mr. Jellyby had appeared in the list of bankrupts a day or two before, and he was shut up in the dining-room with two gentlemen and a heap of account-books, making the most desperate endeavours to understand his affairs.


They appeared to me to be quite beyond his comprehension, for when Caddy took me into the dining-room by mistake and we came upon Mr. Jellyby in his spectacles, forlornly fenced into a corner by the great dining-table and the two gentlemen, he seemed to have given up the whole thing and to be speechless and insensible.

When Caddy took me into the dining-room by mistake, we came upon Mr. Jellyby forlornly fenced into a corner by the great dining-table and the two gentlemen, speechless.


Going upstairs to Mrs. Jellyby's room (the children were all screaming in the kitchen, and there was no servant to be seen), we found that lady in the midst of a voluminous correspondence, opening, reading, and sorting letters, with a great accumulation of torn covers on the floor.

Going upstairs to Mrs. Jellyby's room (the children were all screaming in the kitchen, and there was no servant to be seen), we found that lady opening, reading, and sorting letters, with a great pile of envelopes on the floor.


She was so preoccupied that at first she did not know me, though she sat looking at me with that curious, bright-eyed, far-off look of hers.

She was so preoccupied that at first she did not know me.


"I was thinking of something so different!


Mr. Jarndyce and Miss Clare quite well?"


I hoped in return that Mr. Jellyby was quite well.


"Why, not quite, my dear," said Mrs. Jellyby in the calmest manner.


"He has been unfortunate in his affairs and is a little out of spirits.


Happily for me, I am so much engaged that I have no time to think about it.


We have, at the present moment, one hundred and seventy families, Miss Summerson, averaging five persons in each, either gone or going to the left bank of the Niger."

We have, at present, one hundred and seventy families, Miss Summerson, either gone or going to the left bank of the Niger."


I thought of the one family so near us who were neither gone nor going to the left bank of the Niger, and wondered how she could be so placid.

I thought of the one family so near us who were neither gone nor going to the Niger, and wondered how she could be so placid.


"You have brought Caddy back, I see," observed Mrs. Jellyby with a glance at her daughter.

"You have brought Caddy back, I see," observed Mrs. Jellyby.


"It has become quite a novelty to see her here.


She has almost deserted her old employment and in fact obliges me to employ a boy."


"Now you know, Caddy," her mother mildly interposed, "that I DO employ a boy, who is now at his dinner.


"I was not going to contradict, Ma," returned Caddy.


"I was only going to say that surely you wouldn't have me be a mere drudge all my life."

"surely you wouldn't have me be a mere drudge all my life."


"I believe, my dear," said Mrs. Jellyby, still opening her letters, casting her bright eyes smilingly over them, and sorting them as she spoke, "that you have a business example before you in your mother.

"I believe, my dear," said Mrs. Jellyby, still opening her letters, "that you have a business example before you in your mother.


If you had any sympathy with the destinies of the human race, it would raise you high above any such idea.


I have often told you, Caddy, you have no such sympathy."


Now, if I were not happily so much engaged, Miss Summerson," said Mrs. Jellyby, sweetly casting her eyes for a moment on me and considering where to put the particular letter she had just opened, "this would distress and disappoint me.

Now, if I were not happily so much engaged, Miss Summerson," said Mrs. Jellyby, "this would distress and disappoint me.


But I have so much to think of, in connexion with Borrioboola-Gha and it is so necessary I should concentrate myself that there is my remedy, you see."

But I have so much to think of in connexion with Borrioboola-Gha that there is my remedy, you see."


As Caddy gave me a glance of entreaty, and as Mrs. Jellyby was looking far away into Africa straight through my bonnet and head, I thought it a good opportunity to come to the subject of my visit and to attract Mrs. Jellyby's attention.

Caddy gave me a glance of entreaty, and I thought it a good opportunity to come to the subject of my visit.


"Perhaps," I began, "you will wonder what has brought me here to interrupt you."

"Perhaps," I began, "you will wonder what has brought me here."


"I am always delighted to see Miss Summerson," said Mrs. Jellyby, pursuing her employment with a placid smile.

"I am always delighted to see Miss Summerson," said Mrs. Jellyby, sorting letters with a placid smile.


"Though I wish," and she shook her head, "she was more interested in the Borrioboolan project."


"I have come with Caddy," said I, "because Caddy justly thinks she ought not to have a secret from her mother and fancies I shall encourage and aid her (though I am sure I don't know how) in imparting one."

"I have come with Caddy," said I, "because Caddy justly thinks she ought not to have a secret from her mother and fancies I shall aid her in imparting one."


"Caddy," said Mrs. Jellyby, pausing for a moment in her occupation and then serenely pursuing it after shaking her head, "you are going to tell me some nonsense."

"Caddy," said Mrs. Jellyby, pausing for a moment to shake her head, "you are going to tell me some nonsense."


Caddy untied the strings of her bonnet, took her bonnet off, and letting it dangle on the floor by the strings, and crying heartily, said, "Ma, I am engaged."

Caddy took her bonnet off, and crying, said, "Ma, I am engaged."


observed Mrs. Jellyby with an abstracted air as she looked over the dispatch last opened; "what a goose you are!"

observed Mrs. Jellyby with an abstracted air as she looked over the letter last opened; "what a goose you are!"


"I am engaged, Ma," sobbed Caddy, "to young Mr. Turveydrop, at the academy; and old Mr. Turveydrop (who is a very gentlemanly man indeed) has given his consent, and I beg and pray you'll give us yours, Ma, because I never could be happy without it.

"I am engaged, Ma," sobbed Caddy, "to young Mr. Turveydrop, at the academy; and old Mr. Turveydrop (who is a very gentlemanly man) has given his consent, and I beg and pray you'll give us yours, Ma, because I never could be happy without it!"


sobbed Caddy, quite forgetful of her general complainings and of everything but her natural affection.


"You see again, Miss Summerson," observed Mrs. Jellyby serenely, "what a happiness it is to be so much occupied as I am and to have this necessity for self-concentration that I have.

"You see again, Miss Summerson," observed Mrs. Jellyby serenely, "what a happiness it is to be so much occupied as I am.


Here is Caddy engaged to a dancing-master's son--mixed up with people who have no more sympathy with the destinies of the human race than she has herself!

Here is Caddy engaged to a dancing-master's son - mixed up with people who have no more sympathy with the destinies of the human race than she has herself!


This, too, when Mr. Quale, one of the first philanthropists of our time, has mentioned to me that he was really disposed to be interested in her!"

This, too, when Mr. Quale, one of the first philanthropists of our time, has mentioned to me that he might be interested in her!"


"Ma, I always hated and detested Mr. Quale!"


returned Mrs. Jellyby, opening another letter with the greatest complacency.


How could you do otherwise, being totally destitute of the sympathies with which he overflows!

How could you do otherwise, being totally destitute of his sympathies!


Now, if my public duties were not a favourite child to me, if I were not occupied with large measures on a vast scale, these petty details might grieve me very much, Miss Summerson.

Now, if I were not occupied with public duties, these petty details might grieve me very much, Miss Summerson.


But can I permit the film of a silly proceeding on the part of Caddy (from whom I expect nothing else) to interpose between me and the great African continent?

But can I permit a silly proceeding on the part of Caddy (from whom I expect nothing else) to come between me and the great African continent?


No," repeated Mrs. Jellyby in a calm clear voice, and with an agreeable smile, as she opened more letters and sorted them.

No," repeated Mrs. Jellyby calmly, as she opened more letters.


I was so unprepared for the perfect coolness of this reception, though I might have expected it, that I did not know what to say.

I was so unprepared for the perfect coolness of this reception that I did not know what to say.


Mrs. Jellyby continued to open and sort letters and to repeat occasionally in quite a charming tone of voice and with a smile of perfect composure, "No, indeed."


"I hope, Ma," sobbed poor Caddy at last, "you are not angry?"

"I hope, Ma," she sobbed at last, "you are not angry?"


"Oh, Caddy, you really are an absurd girl," returned Mrs. Jellyby, "to ask such questions after what I have said of the preoccupation of my mind."

"Oh, Caddy, you really are an absurd girl," returned Mrs. Jellyby, "to ask such questions after what I have said."


"And I hope, Ma, you give us your consent and wish us well?"


"You are a nonsensical child to have done anything of this kind," said Mrs. Jellyby; "and a degenerate child, when you might have devoted yourself to the great public measure.

"You are a nonsensical child to have done anything of this kind," said Mrs. Jellyby.


"But the step is taken, and I have engaged a boy, and there is no more to be said.


Now, pray, Caddy," said Mrs. Jellyby, for Caddy was kissing her, "don't delay me in my work, but let me clear off this heavy batch of papers before the afternoon post comes in!"

Now, pray, Caddy," for Caddy was kissing her, "don't delay me in my work, but let me clear off this batch of papers before the afternoon post comes in!"


I thought I could not do better than take my leave; I was detained for a moment by Caddy's saying, "You won't object to my bringing him to see you, Ma?"


"Oh, dear me, Caddy," cried Mrs. Jellyby, who had relapsed into that distant contemplation, "have you begun again?


said Mrs. Jellyby, quite weary of such little matters.


"Then you must bring him some evening which is not a Parent Society night, or a Branch night, or a Ramification night.

"You must bring him some evening which is not a Parent Society night, or a Branch night.


You must accommodate the visit to the demands upon my time.


My dear Miss Summerson, it was very kind of you to come here to help out this silly chit.

My dear Miss Summerson, it was very kind of you to come here to help out this silly girl.


When I tell you that I have fifty-eight new letters from manufacturing families anxious to understand the details of the native and coffee-cultivation question this morning, I need not apologize for having very little leisure."


I was not surprised by Caddy's being in low spirits when we went downstairs, or by her sobbing afresh on my neck, or by her saying she would far rather have been scolded than treated with such indifference, or by her confiding to me that she was so poor in clothes that how she was ever to be married creditably she didn't know.

I was not surprised by Caddy's being in low spirits when we went downstairs, or by her sobbing afresh on my neck, saying she would rather have been scolded than treated with such indifference, or by her confiding that she was so poor in clothes that how she was to be married creditably she didn't know.


I gradually cheered her up by dwelling on the many things she would do for her unfortunate father and for Peepy when she had a home of her own; and finally we went downstairs into the damp dark kitchen, where Peepy and his little brothers and sisters were grovelling on the stone floor and where we had such a game of play with them that to prevent myself from being quite torn to pieces I was obliged to fall back on my fairy-tales.

I gradually cheered her up by dwelling on the many things she would do for her unfortunate father and for Peepy when she had a home of her own; and finally we went downstairs into the damp dark kitchen, where Peepy and his little brothers and sisters were grovelling on the stone floor and where we had a play and some fairy-tales.


From time to time I heard loud voices in the parlour overhead, and occasionally a violent tumbling about of the furniture.


The last effect I am afraid was caused by poor Mr. Jellyby's breaking away from the dining-table and making rushes at the window with the intention of throwing himself into the area whenever he made any new attempt to understand his affairs.

The last effect I am afraid was caused by poor Mr. Jellyby's breaking away from the dining-table and making rushes at the window with the intention of throwing himself out whenever he made any new attempt to understand his affairs.


As I rode quietly home at night after the day's bustle, I thought a good deal of Caddy's engagement and felt confirmed in my hopes (in spite of the elder Mr. Turveydrop) that she would be the happier and better for it.

As I rode quietly home after the day's bustle, I thought a good deal of Caddy's engagement and felt confirmed in my hopes (in spite of the elder Mr. Turveydrop) that she would be the happier and better for it.


And if there seemed to be but a slender chance of her and her husband ever finding out what the model of deportment really was, why that was all for the best too, and who would wish them to be wiser?

And if there was only a slender chance of her and her husband ever finding out what the model of deportment really was, that was all for the best too, and who would wish them to be wiser?


I did not wish them to be any wiser and indeed was half ashamed of not entirely believing in him myself.

Indeed I was half ashamed of not entirely believing in him myself.


And I looked up at the stars, and thought about travellers in distant countries and the stars THEY saw, and hoped I might always be so blest and happy as to be useful to some one in my small way.

And I looked up at the stars, and hoped I might always be so blest as to be useful to some one in my small way.


They were so glad to see me when I got home, as they always were, that I could have sat down and cried for joy if that had not been a method of making myself disagreeable.

They were so glad to see me when I got home, as they always were, that I could have sat down and cried for joy if that would not have made me disagreeable.


Everybody in the house, from the lowest to the highest, showed me such a bright face of welcome, and spoke so cheerily, and was so happy to do anything for me, that I suppose there never was such a fortunate little creature in the world.

Everybody in the house showed me such a bright face of welcome, and spoke so cheerily, that I suppose there never was such a fortunate creature in the world.


We got into such a chatty state that night, through Ada and my guardian drawing me out to tell them all about Caddy, that I went on prose, prose, prosing for a length of time.

That night Ada and my guardian asked me to tell them all about Caddy, so that I went on prosing for a long time.


At last I got up to my own room, quite red to think how I had been holding forth, and then I heard a soft tap at my door.

At last I went to my own room, quite red to think how I had been holding forth, and then I heard a soft tap at my door.


and there came in a pretty little girl, neatly dressed in mourning, who dropped a curtsy.


"If you please, miss," said the little girl in a soft voice, "I am Charley."


"Why, so you are," said I, stooping down in astonishment and giving her a kiss.


"If you please, miss," pursued Charley in the same soft voice, "I'm your maid."


"If you please, miss, I'm a present to you, with Mr. Jarndyce's love."

"I'm a present to you, with Mr. Jarndyce's love.


I sat down with my hand on Charley's neck and looked at Charley.


"And oh, miss," says Charley, clapping her hands, with the tears starting down her dimpled cheeks, "Tom's at school, if you please, and learning so good!

And oh, miss," says Charley, clapping her hands, with the tears starting down her cheeks, "Tom's at school, if you please, and learning so good!


And little Emma, she's with Mrs. Blinder, miss, a-being took such care of!


And Tom, he would have been at school--and Emma, she would have been left with Mrs. Blinder--and me, I should have been here--all a deal sooner, miss; only Mr. Jarndyce thought that Tom and Emma and me had better get a little used to parting first, we was so small.

And they would have been there sooner, miss; only Mr. Jarndyce thought that we had better get used to parting first, we was so small.


"No, miss, nor I can't help it," says Charley.


"And if you please, miss, Mr. Jarndyce's love, and he thinks you'll like to teach me now and then.


And if you please, Tom and Emma and me is to see each other once a month.

And Tom and Emma and me is to see each other once a month.


And I'm so happy and so thankful, miss," cried Charley with a heaving heart, "and I'll try to be such a good maid!"

And I'm so happy and thankful, miss," cried Charley, "and I'll try to be such a good maid!"


"Oh, Charley dear, never forget who did all this!"


"Yes, miss, but it was all done for the love of you and that you might be my mistress.

"Yes, miss, but it was all done for the love of you.


If you please, miss, I am a little present with his love, and it was all done for the love of you.


Me and Tom was to be sure to remember it."


Charley dried her eyes and entered on her functions, going in her matronly little way about and about the room and folding up everything she could lay her hands upon.

Charley dried her eyes and went about the room in her matronly little way, folding up everything she could lay her hands upon.


Presently Charley came creeping back to my side and said, "Oh, don't cry, if you please, miss."

Presently she came creeping back to my side and said, "Oh, don't cry, please, miss."


And I said again, "I can't help it, Charley."


And Charley said again, "No, miss, nor I can't help it."


And so, after all, I did cry for joy indeed, and so did she.


When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.

When we returned to Bleak House, we were received with an overpowering welcome.


I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.

I was perfectly restored to health, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in with a merry little peal.


"Once more, duty, duty, Esther," said I; "and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.

"Once more, duty, Esther," said I; "and if you are not overjoyed to do it cheerfully and contentedly, you ought to be!"


That's all I have to say to you, my dear!"


The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment's leisure.

The first few mornings involved so much bustle and business, settlements of accounts, repeated journeys to the growlery and rearrangements of cupboards, that I had not a moment's leisure.


But when these arrangements were completed and everything was in order, I paid a visit of a few hours to London, which something in the letter I had destroyed at Chesney Wold had induced me to decide upon in my own mind.

But when everything was in order, I paid a short visit to London - a visit which something in the letter I had destroyed at Chesney Wold induced me to take.


I made Caddy Jellyby--her maiden name was so natural to me that I always called her by it--the pretext for this visit and wrote her a note previously asking the favour of her company on a little business expedition.

I made Caddy the pretext for this visit and wrote her a note asking the favour of her company on a little business expedition.


Leaving home very early in the morning, I got to London by stage-coach in such good time that I got to Newman Street with the day before me.

Leaving home very early, I got to London by stage-coach in good time.


Caddy, who had not seen me since her wedding-day, was so glad and so affectionate that I was half inclined to fear I should make her husband jealous.


But he was, in his way, just as bad--I mean as good; and in short it was the old story, and nobody would leave me any possibility of doing anything meritorious.


The elder Mr. Turveydrop was in bed, I found, and Caddy was milling his chocolate, which a melancholy little boy who was an apprentice--it seemed such a curious thing to be apprenticed to the trade of dancing--was waiting to carry upstairs.

The elder Mr. Turveydrop was in bed, I found, and Caddy was mixing his chocolate, which a melancholy little apprentice-boy - it seemed curious to be apprenticed to the trade of dancing - was waiting to carry upstairs.


Her father-in-law was extremely kind and considerate, Caddy told me, and they lived most happily together.


(When she spoke of their living together, she meant that the old gentleman had all the good things and all the good lodging, while she and her husband had what they could get, and were poked into two corner rooms over the Mews.)

(In other words, the old gentleman had all the good things and the good lodging, while she and her husband were poked into two corner rooms over the Mews.)


"Why, I hear of her, Esther," replied Caddy, "through Pa, but I see very little of her.


We are good friends, I am glad to say, but Ma thinks there is something absurd in my having married a dancing-master, and she is rather afraid of its extending to her."

We are good friends, I am glad to say, but Ma thinks there is something absurd in my having married a dancing-master, and she is afraid of its extending to her."


It struck me that if Mrs. Jellyby had discharged her own natural duties and obligations before she swept the horizon with a telescope in search of others, she would have taken the best precautions against becoming absurd, but I need scarcely observe that I kept this to myself.

It struck me that if Mrs. Jellyby had discharged her own natural duties before she swept the horizon with a telescope in search of others, she would have taken the best precautions against becoming absurd; but I kept this to myself.


"He comes here every evening," returned Caddy, "and is so fond of sitting in the corner there that it's a treat to see him."

"He comes here every evening, and is so fond of sitting in the corner there that it's a treat to see him."


Looking at the corner, I plainly perceived the mark of Mr. Jellyby's head against the wall.


It was consolatory to know that he had found such a resting-place for it.


"And you, Caddy," said I, "you are always busy, I'll be bound?"


"Well, my dear," returned Caddy, "I am indeed, for to tell you a grand secret, I am qualifying myself to give lessons.

"I am indeed," returned Caddy, "for I am qualifying myself to give lessons.


Prince's health is not strong, and I want to be able to assist him.

Prince's health is not strong, and I want to assist him.


What with schools, and classes here, and private pupils, AND the apprentices, he really has too much to do, poor fellow!"

What with schools, and classes, and private pupils, and the apprentices, he really has too much to do, poor fellow!"


The notion of the apprentices was still so odd to me that I asked Caddy if there were many of them.

I asked Caddy if there were many apprentices.


They are very good children; only when they get together they WILL play--children-like--instead of attending to their work.

"They are very good children; only when they get together they will play instead of attending to their work.


So the little boy you saw just now waltzes by himself in the empty kitchen, and we distribute the others over the house as well as we can."

So the little boy you saw just now waltzes by himself in the kitchen, and we distribute the others over the house


"That is only for their steps, of course?"


"In that way they practise, so many hours at a time, whatever steps they happen to be upon.


They dance in the academy, and at this time of year we do figures at five every morning."


"I assure you, my dear," returned Caddy, smiling, "when the out-door apprentices ring us up in the morning (the bell rings into our room, not to disturb old Mr. Turveydrop), and when I put up the window and see them standing on the door-step with their little pumps under their arms, I am actually reminded of the Sweeps."


All this presented the art to me in a singular light, to be sure.


Caddy enjoyed the effect of her communication and cheerfully recounted the particulars of her own studies.


"You see, my dear, to save expense I ought to know something of the piano, and I ought to know something of the kit too, and consequently I have to practise those two instruments as well as the details of our profession.

To save expense," she continued, "I am learning the piano, and the kit.


If Ma had been like anybody else, I might have had some little musical knowledge to begin upon.

If Ma had been like anybody else, I might have had some musical knowledge.


However, I hadn't any; and that part of the work is, at first, a little discouraging, I must allow.


But I have a very good ear, and I am used to drudgery--I have to thank Ma for that, at all events--and where there's a will there's a way, you know, Esther, the world over."

However, I have a good ear, and I am used to drudgery - I have to thank Ma for that, at all events - and where there's a will there's a way, you know."


Saying these words, Caddy laughingly sat down at a little jingling square piano and really rattled off a quadrille with great spirit.

With this, Caddy laughingly sat down at a little jingling square piano and rattled off a quadrille with great spirit.


Then she good-humouredly and blushingly got up again, and while she still laughed herself, said, "Don't laugh at me, please; that's a dear girl!"

Then she blushingly said, "Don't laugh at me, please; that's a dear girl!"


I would sooner have cried, but I did neither.


I encouraged her and praised her with all my heart.


For I conscientiously believed, dancing-master's wife though she was, and dancing-mistress though in her limited ambition she aspired to be, she had struck out a natural, wholesome, loving course of industry and perseverance that was quite as good as a mission.

For limited though her ambitions were, she had struck out a natural, wholesome, loving course of industry that was quite as good as a mission.


"My dear," said Caddy, delighted, "you can't think how you cheer me.


I shall owe you, you don't know how much.


What changes, Esther, even in my small world!


You recollect that first night, when I was so unpolite and inky?


Who would have thought, then, of my ever teaching people to dance, of all other possibilities and impossibilities!"

Who would have thought, then, of my ever teaching people to dance!"


Her husband, who had left us while we had this chat, now coming back, preparatory to exercising the apprentices in the ball-room, Caddy informed me she was quite at my disposal.


But it was not my time yet, I was glad to tell her, for I should have been vexed to take her away then.


Therefore we three adjourned to the apprentices together, and I made one in the dance.

Before we went out, we saw the apprentices at work.


The apprentices were the queerest little people.


Besides the melancholy boy, who, I hoped, had not been made so by waltzing alone in the empty kitchen, there were two other boys and one dirty little limp girl in a gauzy dress.

Besides the melancholy boy, there were two other boys and one dirty little limp girl in a gauzy dress.


Such a precocious little girl, with such a dowdy bonnet on (that, too, of a gauzy texture), who brought her sandalled shoes in an old threadbare velvet reticule.

Such a precocious little girl, with a dowdy bonnet, who brought her shoes in an old threadbare velvet reticule; such


Such mean little boys, when they were not dancing, with string, and marbles, and cramp-bones in their pockets, and the most untidy legs and feet--and heels particularly.

shabby little boys, with string and marbles in their pockets, and the most untidy legs and feet.


I asked Caddy what had made their parents choose this profession for them.


Caddy said she didn't know; perhaps they were designed for teachers, perhaps for the stage.


They were all people in humble circumstances, and the melancholy boy's mother kept a ginger-beer shop.


We danced for an hour with great gravity, the melancholy child doing wonders with his lower extremities, in which there appeared to be some sense of enjoyment though it never rose above his waist.

We danced for an hour with great gravity, the melancholy child doing wonders with his lower half, in which there appeared to be some enjoyment though it never rose above his waist.


Caddy, while she was observant of her husband and was evidently founded upon him, had acquired a grace and self-possession of her own, which, united to her pretty face and figure, was uncommonly agreeable.

Caddy had acquired an agreeable grace and self-possession of her own, while her husband played the music.


She already relieved him of much of the instruction of these young people, and he seldom interfered except to walk his part in the figure if he had anything to do in it.


The affectation of the gauzy child, and her condescension to the boys, was a sight.


And thus we danced an hour by the clock.


When the practice was concluded, Caddy's husband made himself ready to go out of town to a school, and Caddy ran away to get ready to go out with me.

When the practice was finished, Caddy's husband got ready to go out of town to a school, and Caddy got ready to go out with me.


I sat in the ball-room in the interval, contemplating the apprentices.


The two out-door boys went upon the staircase to put on their half-boots and pull the in-door boy's hair, as I judged from the nature of his objections.


Returning with their jackets buttoned and their pumps stuck in them, they then produced packets of cold bread and meat and bivouacked under a painted lyre on the wall.


The little gauzy child, having whisked her sandals into the reticule and put on a trodden-down pair of shoes, shook her head into the dowdy bonnet at one shake, and answering my inquiry whether she liked dancing by replying, "Not with boys," tied it across her chin, and went home contemptuous.


"Old Mr. Turveydrop is so sorry," said Caddy, "that he has not finished dressing yet and cannot have the pleasure of seeing you before you go.

"Old Mr. Turveydrop is so sorry," she said, "that he has not finished dressing yet and cannot have the pleasure of seeing you before you go.


You are such a favourite of his, Esther."


I expressed myself much obliged to him, but did not think it necessary to add that I readily dispensed with this attention.


"It takes him a long time to dress," said Caddy, "because he is very much looked up to in such things, you know, and has a reputation to support.

It takes him a long time to dress because he has a reputation to support.


He talks to Pa of an evening about the Prince Regent, and I never saw Pa so interested."

He talks to him of an evening about the Prince Regent, and I never saw Pa so interested."


There was something in the picture of Mr. Turveydrop bestowing his deportment on Mr. Jellyby that quite took my fancy.


I asked Caddy if he brought her papa out much.

I asked Caddy if he induced her papa to talk much.


"No," said Caddy, "I don't know that he does that, but he talks to Pa, and Pa greatly admires him, and listens, and likes it.

"No," said Caddy, "but Pa greatly admires him, and listens, and likes it.


Of course I am aware that Pa has hardly any claims to deportment, but they get on together delightfully.


You can't think what good companions they make.


I never saw Pa take snuff before in my life, but he takes one pinch out of Mr. Turveydrop's box regularly and keeps putting it to his nose and taking it away again all the evening."

I never saw Pa take snuff before, but he takes one pinch out of Mr. Turveydrop's box regularly and keeps putting it to his nose and taking it away again all evening."


That old Mr. Turveydrop should ever, in the chances and changes of life, have come to the rescue of Mr. Jellyby from Borrioboola-Gha appeared to me to be one of the pleasantest of oddities.

That old Mr. Turveydrop should have come to the rescue of Mr. Jellyby appeared to me to be one of the pleasantest of oddities.


"As to Peepy," said Caddy with a little hesitation, "whom I was most afraid of--next to having any family of my own, Esther--as an inconvenience to Mr. Turveydrop, the kindness of the old gentleman to that child is beyond everything.

"As to Peepy," said Caddy with a little hesitation, "whom I was most afraid of as an inconvenience to Mr. Turveydrop - next to having any family of my own, Esther - the kindness of the old gentleman is beyond everything.


He lets him take the newspaper up to him in bed; he gives him the crusts of his toast to eat; he sends him on little errands about the house; he tells him to come to me for sixpences.

He lets Peepy take the newspaper up to him in bed; he gives him the crusts of his toast to eat; he sends him on little errands about the house; he tells him to come to me for sixpences.


In short," said Caddy cheerily, "and not to prose, I am a very fortunate girl and ought to be very grateful.

In short," said Caddy cheerily, "I am a very fortunate girl.


"To the Old Street Road," said I, "where I have a few words to say to the solicitor's clerk who was sent to meet me at the coach-office on the very day when I came to London and first saw you, my dear.

"To the Old Street Road," said I, "where I have a few words to say to the solicitor's clerk who met me at the coach-office on the very day when I came to London and first saw you, my dear."


Now I think of it, the gentleman who brought us to your house."


"Then, indeed, I seem to be naturally the person to go with you," returned Caddy.


To the Old Street Road we went and there inquired at Mrs. Guppy's residence for Mrs. Guppy.

To the Old Street Road we went, to Mrs. Guppy's residence.


Mrs. Guppy, occupying the parlours and having indeed been visibly in danger of cracking herself like a nut in the front-parlour door by peeping out before she was asked for, immediately presented herself and requested us to walk in.


She was an old lady in a large cap, with rather a red nose and rather an unsteady eye, but smiling all over.

Mrs. Guppy was an old lady in a large cap, with rather a red nose and an unsteady eye, but smiling all over.


Her close little sitting-room was prepared for a visit, and there was a portrait of her son in it which, I had almost written here, was more like than life: it insisted upon him with such obstinacy, and was so determined not to let him off.

Her close little sitting-room was prepared for a visit, and her son was


Not only was the portrait there, but we found the original there too.


He was dressed in a great many colours and was discovered at a table reading law-papers with his forefinger to his forehead.

sitting at a table reading law-papers with his forefinger to his forehead.


"Miss Summerson," said Mr. Guppy, rising, "this is indeed an oasis.


Mother, will you be so good as to put a chair for the other lady and get out of the gangway."

Mother, be so good as to put a chair for the other lady."


Mrs. Guppy, whose incessant smiling gave her quite a waggish appearance, did as her son requested and then sat down in a corner, holding her pocket handkerchief to her chest, like a fomentation, with both hands.

Mrs. Guppy, smiling incessantly, did as her son requested and then sat down in a corner.


I presented Caddy, and Mr. Guppy said that any friend of mine was more than welcome.


I then proceeded to the object of my visit.


"I took the liberty of sending you a note, sir," said I.


Mr. Guppy acknowledged the receipt by taking it out of his breast-pocket, putting it to his lips, and returning it to his pocket with a bow.

Mr. Guppy acknowledged this by taking it out of his breast-pocket, putting it to his lips, and returning it to his pocket with a bow.


Mr. Guppy's mother was so diverted that she rolled her head as she smiled and made a silent appeal to Caddy with her elbow.

His mother was so diverted that she rolled her head as she smiled and made a silent appeal to Caddy with her elbow.


"Could I speak to you alone for a moment?"


Anything like the jocoseness of Mr. Guppy's mother just now, I think I never saw.


She made no sound of laughter, but she rolled her head, and shook it, and put her handkerchief to her mouth, and appealed to Caddy with her elbow, and her hand, and her shoulder, and was so unspeakably entertained altogether that it was with some difficulty she could marshal Caddy through the little folding-door into her bedroom adjoining.

At this Mrs. Guppy rolled her head, and shook it, and put her handkerchief to her mouth, and was so unspeakably entertained altogether that it was with some difficulty that she could marshal Caddy into the adjoining room.


"Miss Summerson," said Mr. Guppy, "you will excuse the waywardness of a parent ever mindful of a son's appiness.

"Miss Summerson," said Mr. Guppy, "you will excuse the waywardness of a parent ever mindful of a son's 'appiness.


My mother, though highly exasperating to the feelings, is actuated by maternal dictates."


I could hardly have believed that anybody could in a moment have turned so red or changed so much as Mr. Guppy did when I now put up my veil.

I now put up my veil. I could hardly have believed that anybody could in a moment have turned so red or changed so much as Mr. Guppy did.


"I asked the favour of seeing you for a few moments here," said I, "in preference to calling at Mr. Kenge's because, remembering what you said on an occasion when you spoke to me in confidence, I feared I might otherwise cause you some embarrassment, Mr. Guppy."

"I asked the favour of seeing you for a few moments here," said I, "in preference to calling at Mr. Kenge's, because I feared I might otherwise cause you some embarrassment, Mr. Guppy."


I caused him embarrassment enough as it was, I am sure.

I caused him embarrassment enough as it was.


I never saw such faltering, such confusion, such amazement and apprehension.

I never saw such faltering and confusion.


"Miss Summerson," stammered Mr. Guppy, "I--I--beg your pardon, but in our profession--we--we--find it necessary to be explicit.

"Miss Summerson," stammered Mr. Guppy, "I - I beg your pardon, but in our profession we - we find it necessary to be explicit.


You have referred to an occasion, miss, when I--when I did myself the honour of making a declaration which--"

There was an occasion, miss, when I - when I made a declaration which-"


Something seemed to rise in his throat that he could not possibly swallow.

Something seemed to rise in his throat that he could not swallow.


He put his hand there, coughed, made faces, tried again to swallow it, coughed again, made faces again, looked all round the room, and fluttered his papers.

He coughed, made faces, looked all round the room, coughed some more, and fluttered his papers.


"A kind of giddy sensation has come upon me, miss," he explained, "which rather knocks me over.

"A giddy sensation has come upon me, miss," he explained, "which rather knocks me over.


I--er--a little subject to this sort of thing--er--by George!"


He consumed it in putting his hand to his forehead and taking it away again, and in backing his chair into 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.

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 admit that?

You - you wouldn't perhaps object to admitting 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."

"There can be no doubt," said I, "that I declined your proposal without any reservation, 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?"

"Er - perhaps you wouldn't perhaps be offended if I was to mention - not that it's necessary - but if I was to mention that such declaration on my part was terminated?"


"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?"


"I admit it most fully and freely," said I.


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."

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 renew that offer, 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 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 observations you may wish to offer."


"You were so good as to imply, on that occasion--"

"You were so good as to imply, on that occasion-"


"Excuse me, miss," said Mr. Guppy, "but we had better not travel out of the record into implication.


I cannot admit that I implied anything."


"You said on that occasion," I recommenced, "that you might possibly have the means of advancing my interests and promoting my fortunes by making discoveries of which I should be the subject.

"You said on that occasion," I recommenced, "that you might possibly have the means of advancing my interests by making discoveries


I presume that you founded that belief upon your general knowledge of my being an orphan girl, indebted for everything to the benevolence of Mr. Jarndyce.

about me, as an orphan girl, indebted for everything to the benevolence of Mr. Jarndyce.


Now, the beginning and the end of what I have come to beg of you is, Mr. Guppy, that you will have the kindness to relinquish all idea of so serving me.

Now, I have come to beg you, Mr. Guppy, to have the kindness to relinquish all idea of so serving me.


I have thought of this sometimes, and I have thought of it most lately--since I have been ill. At length I have decided, in case you should at any time recall that purpose and act upon it in any way, to come to you and assure you that you are altogether mistaken.

I have thought of this since I have been ill. I have decided, in case you should at any time recall that purpose, to come to you and assure you that you


You could make no discovery in reference to me that would do me the least service or give me the least pleasure.

could make no discovery about me that would do me the least service or give me the least pleasure.


I am acquainted with my personal history, and I have it in my power to assure you that you never can advance my welfare by such means.

I am acquainted with my personal history, and I can tell you that you never can advance my welfare by such means.


You may, perhaps, have abandoned this project a long time.


If so, excuse my giving you unnecessary trouble.


If not, I entreat you, on the assurance I have given you, henceforth to lay it aside.


"I am bound to confess," said Mr. Guppy, "that you express yourself, miss, with that good sense and right feeling for which I gave you credit.

"I am bound to confess," said Mr. Guppy, "that you express yourself, miss, with good sense and right feeling.


Nothing can be more satisfactory than such right feeling, and if I mistook any intentions on your part just now, I am prepared to tender a full apology.

If I mistook any intentions on your part just now, I apologise."


I should wish to be understood, miss, as hereby offering that apology--limiting it, as your own good sense and right feeling will point out the necessity of, to the present proceedings."


I must say for Mr. Guppy that the snuffling manner he had had upon him improved very much.


He seemed truly glad to be able to do something I asked, and he looked ashamed.


"If you will allow me to finish what I have to say at once so that I may have no occasion to resume," I went on, seeing him about to speak, "you will do me a kindness, sir.

"If you will allow me to finish what I have to say," I went on, "you will do me a kindness, sir.


I come to you as privately as possible because you announced this impression of yours to me in a confidence which I have really wished to respect--and which I always have respected, as you remember.

I come to you privately because you spoke to me about the matter in a confidence which I have really wished to respect.


There really is no reason why I should hesitate to say that I know very well that any little delicacy I might have had in making a request to you is quite removed.


Therefore I make the entreaty I have now preferred, and I hope you will have sufficient consideration for me to accede to it."


I must do Mr. Guppy the further justice of saying that he had looked more and more ashamed and that he looked most ashamed and very earnest when he now replied with a burning face, "Upon my word and honour, upon my life, upon my soul, Miss Summerson, as I am a living man, I'll act according to your wish!

I must do Mr. Guppy the justice of saying that he looked ashamed and very earnest when he replied with a burning face, "Upon my word and honour, Miss Summerson, I'll act according to your wish!


I'll never go another step in opposition to it.


I'll take my oath to it if it will be any satisfaction to you.


In what I promise at this present time touching the matters now in question," continued Mr. Guppy rapidly, as if he were repeating a familiar form of words, "I speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so--"

In what I promise touching the matters now in question," he continued rapidly, "I speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so-"


"I am quite satisfied," said I, rising at this point, "and I thank you very much.

"I am quite satisfied," said I, rising, "and I thank you very much.


Mr. Guppy's mother returned with Caddy (now making me the recipient of her silent laughter and her nudges), and we took our leave.

Mr. Guppy's mother returned with Caddy, and we took our leave.


Mr. Guppy saw us to the door with the air of one who was either imperfectly awake or walking in his sleep; and we left him there, staring.

Mr. Guppy saw us to the door with the air of a sleep-walker; and we left him there, staring.


But in a minute he came after us down the street without any hat, and with his long hair all blown about, and stopped us, saying fervently, "Miss Summerson, upon my honour and soul, you may depend upon me!"

But in a minute he came after us down the street without any hat, and stopped us, saying fervently, "Miss Summerson, upon my honour and soul, you may depend upon me!"


"I beg your pardon, miss," said Mr. Guppy, going with one leg and staying with the other, "but this lady being present--your own witness--it might be a satisfaction to your mind (which I should wish to set at rest) if you was to repeat those admissions."

"I beg your pardon, miss," said Mr. Guppy, "but this lady being present - your own witness - it might be a satisfaction to your mind (which I should wish to set at rest) if you was to repeat those admissions."


"Well, Caddy," said I, turning to her, "perhaps you will not be surprised when I tell you, my dear, that there never has been any engagement--"

"Well, Caddy," said I, turning to her, "perhaps you will not be surprised when I tell you, my dear, that there never has been any engagement-"


"No proposal or promise of marriage whatsoever," suggested Mr. Guppy.

"No promise of marriage whatsoever," suggested Mr. Guppy.


"No proposal or promise of marriage whatsoever," said I, "between this gentleman--"

"No promise of marriage whatsoever," said I, "between this gentleman-"


"William Guppy, of Penton Place, Pentonville, in the county of Middlesex," he murmured.

"William Guppy, of Penton Place, Pentonville."


"Between this gentleman, Mr. William Guppy, of Penton Place, Pentonville, in the county of Middlesex, and myself."

"Between this gentleman, Mr. William Guppy, of Penton Place, Pentonville, and myself."


"Very full--er--excuse me--lady's name, Christian and surname both?"


Formerly Caroline Jellyby, spinster, then of Thavies Inn, within the city of London, but extra-parochial; now of Newman Street, Oxford Street.


He ran home and came running back again.


"Touching that matter, you know, I really and truly am very sorry that my arrangements in life, combined with circumstances over which I have no control, should prevent a renewal of what was wholly terminated some time back," said Mr. Guppy to me forlornly and despondently, "but it couldn't be.

"Touching that matter, you know, I really and truly am very sorry that circumstances over which I have no control should prevent a renewal of what was terminated some time back," said Mr. Guppy forlornly and despondently, "but it couldn't be."


He thanked me and ran to his mother's again--and back again.

He thanked me and ran to his mother's - and back again.


"It's very honourable of you, miss, I am sure," said Mr. Guppy.

"It's very honourable of you, miss," said Mr. Guppy.


"If an altar could be erected in the bowers of friendship--but, upon my soul, you may rely upon me in every respect save and except the tender passion only!"

"Upon my soul, you may rely upon me in every respect save and except the tender passion only!"


The struggle in Mr. Guppy's breast and the numerous oscillations it occasioned him between his mother's door and us were sufficiently conspicuous in the windy street (particularly as his hair wanted cutting) to make us hurry away.

The struggle in Mr. Guppy's breast and the oscillations it occasioned him between his mother's door and us were sufficiently conspicuous to make us hurry away.


I did so with a lightened heart; but when we last looked back, Mr. Guppy was still oscillating in the same troubled state of mind.


Richard left us on the very next evening to begin his new career, and committed Ada to my charge with great love for her and great trust in me.


It touched me then to reflect, and it touches me now, more nearly, to remember (having what I have to tell) how they both thought of me, even at that engrossing time.

It touched me to reflect how they both thought of me, even at that engrossing time.


I was a part of all their plans, for the present and the future.


I was to write Richard once a week, making my faithful report of Ada, who was to write to him every alternate day.

I was to write to Richard once a week, making my faithful report of Ada, who was to write to him every alternate day.


I was to be informed, under his own hand, of all his labours and successes; I was to observe how resolute and persevering he would be; I was to be Ada's bridesmaid when they were married; I was to live with them afterwards; I was to keep all the keys of their house; I was to be made happy for ever and a day.

He would tell me all his labours and successes; I was to observe how resolute and persevering he would be; I was to be Ada's bridesmaid when they were married; I was to live with them afterwards and keep the keys of their house; I was to be made happy for ever.


"And if the suit SHOULD make us rich, Esther--which it may, you know!"

"And if the lawsuit should make us rich, Esther - which it may, you know!"


"My dearest Ada," asked Richard, "why not?"


"It had better declare us poor at once," said Ada.


I don't know about that," returned Richard, "but at all events, it won't declare anything at once.


It hasn't declared anything in heaven knows how many years."


"Yes, but," urged Richard, answering what her look suggested rather than her words, "the longer it goes on, dear cousin, the nearer it must be to a settlement one way or other.

"But the longer it goes on, the nearer it must be to a settlement one way or other.


But I am afraid if we trust to it, it will make us unhappy."


"But, my Ada, we are not going to trust to it!"

"My Ada, we are not going to trust to it!"


We only say that if it SHOULD make us rich, we have no constitutional objection to being rich.

We only say that if it should make us rich, we have no objection.


The court is, by solemn settlement of law, our grim old guardian, and we are to suppose that what it gives us (when it gives us anything) is our right.

The court is our grim old guardian, and whatever it gives us is our right.


It is not necessary to quarrel with our right."


"No," said Ada, "but it may be better to forget all about it."


"Well, well," cried Richard, "then we will forget all about it!


Dame Durden puts on her approving face, and it's done!"


"Dame Durden's approving face," said I, looking out of the box in which I was packing his books, "was not very visible when you called it by that name; but it does approve, and she thinks you can't do better."

"Dame Durden does approve," said I, "and she thinks you can't do better."


So, Richard said there was an end of it, and immediately began, on no other foundation, to build as many castles in the air as would man the Great Wall of China.

So, Richard said there was an end of it, and immediately began to build as many castles in the air as would man the Great Wall of China.


Ada and I, prepared to miss him very much, commenced our quieter career.


On our arrival in London, we had called with Mr. Jarndyce at Mrs. Jellyby's but had not been so fortunate as to find her at home.

On our arrival in London, we had called at Mrs. Jellyby's but had not found her at home.


It appeared that she had gone somewhere to a tea-drinking and had taken Miss Jellyby with her.


Besides the tea-drinking, there was to be some considerable speech-making and letter-writing on the general merits of the cultivation of coffee, conjointly with natives, at the Settlement of Borrioboola-Gha.


All this involved, no doubt, sufficient active exercise of pen and ink to make her daughter's part in the proceedings anything but a holiday.


It being now beyond the time appointed for Mrs. Jellyby's return, we called again.


She was in town, but not at home, having gone to Mile End directly after breakfast on some Borrioboolan business, arising out of a society called the East London Branch Aid Ramification.

She was not in, having gone to Mile End directly after breakfast on some Borrioboolan business.


As I had not seen Peepy on the occasion of our last call (when he was not to be found anywhere, and when the cook rather thought he must have strolled away with the dustman's cart), I now inquired for him again.

As I had not seen Peepy on our last call, I now inquired for him.


The oyster shells he had been building a house with were still in the passage, but he was nowhere discoverable, and the cook supposed that he had "gone after the sheep."

He was nowhere to be found, and the cook supposed that he had "gone after the sheep."


When we repeated, with some surprise, "The sheep?"

When we repeated, with surprise, "The sheep?"


she said, Oh, yes, on market days he sometimes followed them quite out of town and came back in such a state as never was!


I was sitting at the window with my guardian on the following morning, and Ada was busy writing--of course to Richard--when Miss Jellyby was announced, and entered, leading the identical Peepy, whom she had made some endeavours to render presentable by wiping the dirt into corners of his face and hands and making his hair very wet and then violently frizzling it with her fingers.

I was sitting at the window with my guardian on the following morning, and Ada was busy writing to Richard - when Miss Jellyby was announced, and entered, leading the same Peepy, whom she had tried to make presentable by wiping the dirt into the corners of his face and making his hair very wet.


Everything the dear child wore was either too large for him or too small.


Among his other contradictory decorations he had the hat of a bishop and the little gloves of a baby.

He had the hat of a bishop and the little gloves of a baby.


His boots were, on a small scale, the boots of a ploughman, while his legs, so crossed and recrossed with scratches that they looked like maps, were bare below a very short pair of plaid drawers finished off with two frills of perfectly different patterns.

His boots were like small ploughman's boots, below a very short pair of plaid drawers finished off with two different frills.


The deficient buttons on his plaid frock had evidently been supplied from one of Mr. Jellyby's coats, they were so extremely brazen and so much too large.


Most extraordinary specimens of needlework appeared on several parts of his dress, where it had been hastily mended, and I recognized the same hand on Miss Jellyby's.

Extraordinary specimens of needlework appeared on several parts of his dress, where it had been hastily mended, and I recognized the same hand on Miss Jellyby's.


She was, however, unaccountably improved in her appearance and looked very pretty.


She was conscious of poor little Peepy being but a failure after all her trouble, and she showed it as she came in by the way in which she glanced first at him and then at us.

But she was conscious of poor little Peepy being a failure after all her trouble, and she showed it by the way in which she glanced first at him and then at us.


Ada and I gave her a cordial welcome and presented her to Mr. Jarndyce, to whom she said as she sat down, "Ma's compliments, and she hopes you'll excuse her, because she's correcting proofs of the plan.

Ada and I gave her a cordial welcome and presented her to Mr. Jarndyce.
"Ma's compliments," she said, "and she hopes you'll excuse her, because she's correcting proofs.


She's going to put out five thousand new circulars, and she knows you'll be interested to hear that.

She's going to put out five thousand new circulars.


With which she presented it sulkily enough.


We were busy with Peepy, taking off his clerical hat, asking him if he remembered us, and so on.


Peepy retired behind his elbow at first, but relented at the sight of sponge-cake and allowed me to take him on my lap, where he sat munching quietly.

He retired behind his elbow at first, but relented at the sight of sponge-cake and allowed me to take him on my lap, where he sat quietly munching.


Mr. Jarndyce then withdrawing into the temporary growlery, Miss Jellyby opened a conversation with her usual abruptness.

Mr. Jarndyce then withdrawing, Miss Jellyby opened a conversation abruptly.


"We are going on just as bad as ever in Thavies Inn," said she.

"We are going on just as bad as ever," said she.


I couldn't be worse off if I was a what's-his-name--man and a brother!"

I couldn't be worse off if I was a what's-his-name!"


"Oh, it's of no use, Miss Summerson," exclaimed Miss Jellyby, "though I thank you for the kind intention all the same.

"Oh, it's of no use, Miss Summerson," exclaimed Miss Jellyby, "though I thank you all the same.


I know how I am used, and I am not to be talked over.


YOU wouldn't be talked over if you were used so.


Peepy, go and play at Wild Beasts under the piano!"


"Very well, you ungrateful, naughty, hard-hearted boy!"

"Very well, you ungrateful, naughty boy!"


returned Miss Jellyby with tears in her eyes.


"I'll never take pains to dress you any more."


cried Peepy, who was really a good child and who was so moved by his sister's vexation that he went at once.

cried Peepy, so moved by his sister's vexation that he went at once.


"It seems a little thing to cry about," said poor Miss Jellyby apologetically, "but I am quite worn out.


I was directing the new circulars till two this morning.

I was addressing the new circulars till two this morning.


I detest the whole thing so that that alone makes my head ache till I can't see out of my eyes.

The whole thing makes my head ache till I can't see.


And look at that poor unfortunate child!


Peepy, happily unconscious of the defects in his appearance, sat on the carpet behind one of the legs of the piano, looking calmly out of his den at us while he ate his cake.

Peepy, happily unconscious of the defects in his appearance, sat behind one of the legs of the piano, eating his cake.


"I have sent him to the other end of the room," observed Miss Jellyby, drawing her chair nearer ours, "because I don't want him to hear the conversation.

"I have sent him over there," said Miss Jellyby, "because I don't want him to hear what I say.


I was going to say, we really are going on worse than ever.


Pa will be a bankrupt before long, and then I hope Ma will be satisfied.


There'll he nobody but Ma to thank for it."

There'll be nobody but Ma to thank for it."


We said we hoped Mr. Jellyby's affairs were not in so bad a state as that.


"It's of no use hoping, though it's very kind of you," returned Miss Jellyby, shaking her head.


"Pa told me only yesterday morning (and dreadfully unhappy he is) that he couldn't weather the storm.


When all our tradesmen send into our house any stuff they like, and the servants do what they like with it, and I have no time to improve things if I knew how, and Ma don't care about anything, I should like to make out how Pa is to weather the storm.

I have no time to improve things if I knew how, and Ma don't care about anything.


"Your papa, no doubt, considers his family."


"Oh, yes, his family is all very fine, Miss Summerson," replied Miss Jellyby; "but what comfort is his family to him?


His family is nothing but bills, dirt, waste, noise, tumbles downstairs, confusion, and wretchedness.


His scrambling home, from week's end to week's end, is like one great washing-day--only nothing's washed!"

It's like one great washing-day - only nothing's washed!"


Miss Jellyby tapped her foot upon the floor and wiped her eyes.


"I am sure I pity Pa to that degree," she said, "and am so angry with Ma that I can't find words to express myself!

"I am sure I pity Pa so much," she said, "and am so angry with Ma that I can't find words to express myself!


However, I am not going to bear it, I am determined.


I won't be a slave all my life, and I won't submit to be proposed to by Mr. Quale.


A pretty thing, indeed, to marry a philanthropist.


I must confess that I could not help feeling rather angry with Mrs. Jellyby myself, seeing and hearing this neglected girl and knowing how much of bitterly satirical truth there was in what she said.

I must confess that I could not help feeling rather angry with Mrs. Jellyby myself, seeing and hearing this neglected girl.


"If it wasn't that we had been intimate when you stopped at our house," pursued Miss Jellyby, "I should have been ashamed to come here to-day, for I know what a figure I must seem to you two.

"I was almost ashamed to come here today, for I know what a figure I must seem to you two.


But as it is, I made up my mind to call, especially as I am not likely to see you again the next time you come to town."

But I made up my mind to call, as I am not likely to see you again the next time you come to town."


She said this with such great significance that Ada and I glanced at one another, foreseeing something more.


I know I may trust you two," said Miss Jellyby.


"Why, good gracious me, Miss Summerson," she returned, justifying herself in a fretful but not angry manner, "how can it be otherwise?

"Why, Miss Summerson," she returned fretfully, "how can it be otherwise?


You know what Ma is--and I needn't make poor Pa more miserable by telling HIM."

You know what Ma is - and I needn't make poor Pa more miserable by telling him."


"But would it not be adding to his unhappiness to marry without his knowledge or consent, my dear?"

"But would it not be adding to his unhappiness to marry without his knowledge, my dear?"


I should try to make him happy and comfortable when he came to see me, and Peepy and the others should take it in turns to come and stay with me, and they should have some care taken of them then."

I should try to make him happy and comfortable when he came to see me, and Peepy and the others should take it in turns to come and stay with me, and have some care taken of them."


There was a good deal of affection in poor Caddy.


She softened more and more while saying this and cried so much over the unwonted little home-picture she had raised in her mind that Peepy, in his cave under the piano, was touched, and turned himself over on his back with loud lamentations.

She cried so much over the little home-picture she had imagined that Peepy, in his cave under the piano, was touched, and lay on his back with loud lamentations.


It was not until I had brought him to kiss his sister, and had restored him to his place on my lap, and had shown him that Caddy was laughing (she laughed expressly for the purpose), that we could recall his peace of mind; even then it was for some time conditional on his taking us in turns by the chin and smoothing our faces all over with his hand.

It was not until I had brought him to kiss his sister, and had shown him that Caddy was laughing (she laughed expressly for the purpose), that we could quieten him; even then he took us in turns by the chin, smoothing our faces all over with his hand.


At last, as his spirits were not equal to the piano, we put him on a chair to look out of window; and Miss Jellyby, holding him by one leg, resumed her confidence.

At last we put him on a chair to look out of a window; and Miss Jellyby, holding him by one leg, resumed.


"It began in your coming to our house," she said.


"I felt I was so awkward," she replied, "that I made up my mind to be improved in that respect at all events and to learn to dance.

"I felt I was so awkward then, that I made up my mind to be improved.


I told Ma I was ashamed of myself, and I must be taught to dance.


Ma looked at me in that provoking way of hers as if I wasn't in sight, but I was quite determined to be taught to dance, and so I went to Mr. Turveydrop's Academy in Newman Street."


"Yes, it was there," said Caddy, "and I am engaged to Mr. Turveydrop.

"Yes," said Caddy, "and I am engaged to Mr. Turveydrop.


There are two Mr. Turveydrops, father and son.


My Mr. Turveydrop is the son, of course.


I only wish I had been better brought up and was likely to make him a better wife, for I am very fond of him."


"I am sorry to hear this," said I, "I must confess."


"I don't know why you should be sorry," she retorted a little anxiously, "but I am engaged to Mr. Turveydrop, whether or no, and he is very fond of me.

"I don't know why you should be sorry," she retorted anxiously; "but I am engaged to Mr. Turveydrop, whether or no, and he is very fond of me.


It's a secret as yet, even on his side, because old Mr. Turveydrop has a share in the connexion and it might break his heart or give him some other shock if he was told of it abruptly.

It's still a secret, even on his side, because it might break old Mr. Turveydrop's heart or give him a shock if he was told abruptly.


Old Mr. Turveydrop is a very gentlemanly man indeed--very gentlemanly."


"Old Mr. Turveydrop's wife, Miss Clare?"


returned Miss Jellyby, opening her eyes.


We were here interrupted by Peepy, whose leg had undergone so much on account of his sister's unconsciously jerking it like a bell-rope whenever she was emphatic that the afflicted child now bemoaned his sufferings with a very low-spirited noise.

We were here interrupted by Peepy, whose leg was being unconsciously jerked like a bell-rope by his sister.


As he appealed to me for compassion, and as I was only a listener, I undertook to hold him.


Miss Jellyby proceeded, after begging Peepy's pardon with a kiss and assuring him that she hadn't meant to do it.

Miss Jellyby proceeded, after begging Peepy's pardon with a kiss.


"That's the state of the case," said Caddy.


"If I ever blame myself, I still think it's Ma's fault.


We are to be married whenever we can, and then I shall go to Pa at the office and write to Ma.

"We are to be married whenever we can," she said, "and then I shall go to Pa at the office and write to Ma.


It won't much agitate Ma; I am only pen and ink to HER.

It won't much agitate Ma; I am only pen and ink to her.


One great comfort is," said Caddy with a sob, "that I shall never hear of Africa after I am married.

One great comfort is that I shall never hear of Africa after I am married.


Young Mr. Turveydrop hates it for my sake, and if old Mr. Turveydrop knows there is such a place, it's as much as he does."

Young Mr. Turveydrop hates it for my sake, and old Mr. Turveydrop has never heard of it, I dare say."


"It was he who was very gentlemanly, I think!"


"He is celebrated almost everywhere for his deportment."


"No, he don't teach anything in particular," replied Caddy.


"But his deportment is beautiful. He is famous for his deportment."


Caddy went on to say with considerable hesitation and reluctance that there was one thing more she wished us to know, and felt we ought to know, and which she hoped would not offend us.

Caddy went on to say hesitantly that there was one thing more she wished us to know, and which she hoped would not offend us.


It was that she had improved her acquaintance with Miss Flite, the little crazy old lady, and that she frequently went there early in the morning and met her lover for a few minutes before breakfast--only for a few minutes.

It was that she had improved her acquaintance with Miss Flite, the little crazy old lady, and that she frequently went there early in the morning and met her lover for a few minutes before breakfast.


"I go there at other times," said Caddy, "but Prince does not come then.


Young Mr. Turveydrop's name is Prince; I wish it wasn't, because it sounds like a dog, but of course he didn't christen himself.