said he. "What a Dame Durden it is to read a face !" He was so aintly cheerful that I could not long be otherwise, and was almost ashamed of having been otherwise at all. When I went to bed, I cried. I am bound to confess that I cried; but I hope it was with pleasure, though I am not quite sure it was with pleasure. I repeated every word of the letter twice over. I could not say enough in admiration of what was all so beautiful, but one secret doubt arose in my mind, when I saw this. I thought, O would he be the happier for it! Would it not have been better for his peace that I should not have been so brought before him? Because, although I was not what he thought me, still he loved me very dearly, and it might remind him mournfully of what he believed he had lost. I did not wish him to forget me, A most beautiful summer morning succeeded; and after breakfast we went perhaps he might not have done so, out arm in arm, to see the house of without these aids to his memory, which I was to give my mighty house- but my way was easier than his, and I keeping opinion. We entered a flower- could have reconciled myself even to garden by a gate in a side wall, of which that, so that he had been the happier he had the key; and the first thing I for it. saw, was, that the beds and flowers "said my were all laid out according to the manner of my beds and flowers at home. We went on by a pretty little orchard, where the cherries were nestling among the green leaves, and the shadows of the apple-trees were sporting on the grass, to the house itself,-a cottage, quite a rustic cottage of doll's rooms; but such a lovely place, so tranquil and so beautiful, with such a rich and smiling country spread around it; with water sparkling away into the distance, here all overhung with summer-growth, there turning a humming mill; at its nearest point glancing through a meadow by the cheerful town, where cricketplayers were assembling in bright groups, and a flag was flying from a white tent that rippled in the sweet west wind. And still, as we went through the pretty rooms, out at the little rustic verandah doors, and underneath the tiny wooden colonnades, garlanded with woodbine, jasmine, and honeysuckle, I saw, in the papering on the walls, in the colors of the furniture, in the arrangement of all the pretty objects, my little tastes and fancies, my little methods and inventions which they used to laugh at while they praised them, my odd ways everywhere. "And now, little woman," guardian, whom I had never seen so proud and joyful as in showing me these things, and watching my appreciation of them, "now, last of all, for the name of this house." see. "What is it called, dear guardian?" "My child," said he, come and 66 We went out of the porch; and he showed me written over it, BLEAK HOUSE. He led me to a seat among the leaves close by, and sitting down beside me, and taking my hand in his, spoke to mu thus: "My darling girl, in what there has been between us, I have, I hope, been really solicitous for your happiness. When I wrote you the letter to which you brought the answer," smiling as he referred to it, "I had my own too much in view; but I had yours too. Whether, under different circumstances, I might ever have renewed the old dream I sometimes dreamed when you were vely young, of making you my wife one day, I need not ask myself. I did renew it, and I wrote my letter, and you brought your answer. You are following what I say, my child" I I was cold, and I trembled violently; | away one atom of my Esther's worth, I but not a word he uttered was lost. took Mrs. Woodcourt into a separate As I sat looking fixedly at him, and the confidence. 'Now, madam,' said I, ‘I sun's rays descended, softly shining clearly perceive and indeed I know, to through the leaves, upon his bare head, boot-that your son loves my ward. I felt as if the brightness on him must am further very sure that my ward loves be like the brightness of the Angels. your son, but will sacrifice her love to a sense of duty and affection, and will sacrifice it so completely, so entirely, so "Hear me, my love, but do not speak. It is for me to speak now. When it was that I began to doubt whe-religiously, that you should never susther what I had done would really make you happy, is no matter. Woodcourt came home, and I soon had no doubc at all." I clasped him round the neck, and hung my head upon his breast, and wept. "Lie lightly, confidently, here, my child," said he, pressing me gently to him. "I am your guardian and your father now. Rest confidently here." pect it, though you watched her night and day.' Then I told her all our story-ours-yours and mine. Now, madam,' said I, come you, knowing this, and live with us. Come you, and see my child from hour to hour; set what you see, against her pedigree, which is this, and this'-for I scorned to mince it and tell me what is the true legitimacy, when you shall have quite made up your mind on that subject.' Why, honor to her old Welsh blood, my dear!" cried my guardian, with enthusiasm, "I believe the heart it animates beats no less warmly, no less admiringly, no less lovingly, to wards Dame Durden, than my own!" He tenderly raised my head, and a I clung to him, kissed me in his old fatherly way again and again. What.a light, now, on the protecting manner I had thought about ! Soothingly, like the gentle rustling of the leaves; and genially, like the ripening weather; and radiantly and beneficently, like the sunshine; he went on. "Understand me, my dear girl. I had no doubt of your being contented and happy with me, being so dutiful and so devoted; but I saw with whom you would be happier. That I penetrated his secret when Dame Durden was blind to it, is no wonder; for I knew the good that could never "One more last word. When Alla change in her, better far than she did. Woodcourt spoke to you, my dear, he Well! I have long been in Allan Wood- spoke with my knowledge and consent court's confidence, although he was not, but I gave him no encouragement, until yesterday, a few hours before you not I, for these surprises were my great came here, in mine. But I would not reward, and I was too miserly to part have my Esther's bright example lost; with a scrap of it. He was to come, I would not have a jot of my dear girl's and tell me all that passed; and he virtues unobserved and unhonored; I did. I have no more to say. My dearwould not have her admitted on suffer- est, Allan Woodcourt stood beside your ance into the line of Morgan ap Kerrig, father when he lay dead-stood beside no, not for the weight in gold of all the your mother. This is Bleak House. mountains in Wales !" This day I give this house its little mistress; and before God, it is the brightest day in all my life!" He stopped to kiss me on the forehead, and I sobbed and wept afresh. For I felt as if I could not bear the painful delight of his praise. He rose, and raised me with him We were no longer alone. My husban I have called him by that name full seven happy years now-stood at my 66 Hush, little woman! Don't cry; this is to be a day of joy. I have looked forward to it," he said, exult-side. ingly, "for months on months! A few words more, Dame Trot, and I have said my say. Determined not to throw "Allan," said my guardian, "take from me, a willing gift, the best wife that ever a man had. What more can I say for you, than that I know you | night, he had left word, "that he would deserve her! Take with her the little call about then." He had left his card home she brings you. You know what three times. MR. GUPPY. she will make it, Allan; you know what she has made its namesake. Let me share its felicity sometimes, and what do I sacrifice? Nothing, nothing." As I naturally speculated on the object of these visits, and as I always associated something ludicrous with the visitor, it fell out that in laughing about. Mr. Guppy I told my guardian of his old proposal, and his subsequent retractation. "After that," said my guardian, "we will certainly receive this hero." So, instructions were given that Mr. Guppy should be shown in, when he came again; and they were scarcely given when he did come again. He was embarrassed when he found my guardian with me, but recovered himself, and said, "How de do, sir?" "How do you do, sir?" returned my guardian. "Thank you, sir, I am tolerable," returned Mr. Guppy. "Will you allow me to introduce my mother, Mrs. Guppy of the Old Street Road, and my particular friend, Mr. Weevle. That is to say, my friend has gone by the name of Weevle, but his name is really and truly "I shall be found about here some where. It's a West wind, little woman, due West! Let no one thank me any more; for I am going to revert to my bachelor habits, and if anybody dis-Jobling." regards this warning, I'll run away, and never come back!" What happiness was ours that day, what joy, what rest, what hope, what gratitude, what bliss! We were to be married before the month was out; but when we were to come and take possession of our own house, was to depend on Richard and Ada. We all three went home together next day. As soon as we arrived in town, Allan went straight to see Richard, and to carry our joyful news to him and my darling. Late as it was, I meant to go to her for a few minutes before lying down to sleep: but I went home with my guardian first, to make his tea for him, and to occupy the old chair by his side; for I did not like to think of its being empty so soon. When we came home, we found that a young man had called three times in the course of that one day, to see me; and that, having been told, on the occasion of his third call, that I was not expected to return before ten o'clock at My guardian begged them to be seated, and they all sat down. "Tony," said Mr. Guppy to his friend, after an awkward silence. "Will you open the case?" "Do it yourself," returned the friend, rather tartly. "Well, Mr. Jarndyce, sir," Mr. Guppy, after a moment's consideration, began; to the great diversion of his mother, which she displayed by nudging Mr. Jobling with her elbow, and winking at me in a most remarkable manner; "I had an idea that I should see Miss Summerson by herself, and was not quite prepared for your esteemed presence. But Miss Summerson has mentioned to you, perhaps, that something has passed between us on former occasions?" "Miss Summerson," returned my guardian smiling, "has made a communication to that effect to me." "That," said Mr. Guppy, "makes matters easier. Sir, I have come out of my articles at Kenge and Carboy's, and I believe with satisfaction to all parties. I am now admitted (after undergoing an examination that's enough to badger a man blue, touching a pack of nonsense that he don't want to know) on the roll of attornies, and have taken out my certificate, if it would be any satisfaction to you to see it." "Thank you, Mr. Guppy," returned my guardian. ouse, when hor present quarter in the Old Street Road shall have ceased and expired; and consequently there will be no want of society. My friend Jobling is naturally aristocratic by taste; and besides being acquainted with the move. ments of the upper circles, fully backs me in the intentions I am now deve "I am quite willing-loping." I believe I use a legal phrase-to admit the certificate." Mr. Guppy therefore desisted from taking something out of his pocket, and proceeded without it. "I have no capital myself, but my mother has a little property which takes the form of an annuity; Here Mr. Guppy's mother rolled her head as if she never could sufficiently enjoy the observation, and put her handkerchief to her mouth, and again winked at me; "and a few pounds for expenses out of pocket in conducting business, will never be wanting, free of interest, which is an advantage, you know," said Mr. Guppy, feelingly. "6 Certainly an advantage," returned my guardian. "I have some connexion,' pursued Mr. Guppy, and it lays in the direction of Walcot Square, Lambeth. I have therefore taken a ouse in that locality, which, in the opinion of my friends, is a hollow bargain (taxes ridiculous, and use of fixtures included in the rent), and intend setting up professionally for myself there, forthwith." Here Mr. Guppy's mother fell into an extraordinary passion of rolling her head, and smiling waggishly at anybody who would look at her. Mr. Jobling said "certainly," and withdrew a little from the elbow of Mr. Guppy's mother. "Now, I have no occasion to mention to you, sir, you being in the confidence of Miss Summerson," said Mr. Guppy "(mother, I wish you'd be so good as to keep still), that Miss Summerson's image was formerly imprinted on my art, and that I made her a proposal of marriage." "That I have heard," returned my guardian. "Circumstances," pursued Mr. Guppy, "over which I had no control but quite the contrary, weakened the impression of that image for a time. At which time, Miss Summerson's conduct was highly genteel; I may even add, magnanimous." My guardian patted me on the shoul der, and seemed much amused. 66 "Now, sir," said Mr. Guppy, "I have got into that state of mind myself, that I wish for a reciprocity of magnanimous behaviour. I wish to prove to Miss Summerson that I can rise to a heighth, of which perhaps she hardly thought me capable. I find that the image which I did suppose had been eradicated from my art, is not eradicated. Its influence over me is still tremen "It's a six roomer, exclusive of kit-jous; and yielding to it I am willing to chens," said Mr. Guppy, "and in the opinion of my friends, a commodious tenement. When I mention my friends, I refer principally to my friend Jobling, who I believe has known me," Mr. Guppy looked at him with a sentimental air, "from boyhood's hour?" Mr. Jobling confirmed this with a sliding movement of his legs. "My friend Jobling will render me his assistance in the capacity of clerk, and will live in the ouse," said Mr. Guppy. 'My mother will likewise live in the overlook the circumstances over which none of us have had any control, and to renew those proposals to Miss Summerson which I had the honor to make at a former period. I beg to lay the ouse in Walcot Square, the business, and myself, before Miss Summerson for her acceptance." "Very magnanimous, indeed, sir," observed my guardian. "Well, sir," returned Mr. Guppy, with candor, "my wish is to be magnanimous. I do not consider that in making this offer to Miss Summerson, I am by any means throwing myself away; neither is that the opinion of my friends. Still there are circumstances which I submit may be taken into account as a set-off against any little drawbacks of mine, and so a fair and equitable balance arrived at." "I take upon myself, sir," said my guardian, laughing as he rang the bell, "to reply to your proposals on behalf of Miss Summerson. She is very sensible of your handsome intentions, and wishes you good evening, and wishes you well." "Oh!" said Mr. Guppy, with a blank look. "Is that tantamount, sir, to acceptance, or rejection, or consideration?" "To decided rejection, if you please," returned my guardian. Mr. Guppy looked incredulously at his friend, and at his mother who suddenly turned very angry, and at the floor, and at the ceiling. "Indeed?" said he. "Then, Jobling, if you was the friend you represent yourself, I should think you might hand my mother out of the gangway, instead of allowing her to remain where she ain't wanted." "My good lady!" returned my guardian, "it is hardly reasonable to ask me to get out of my own room.' "I don't care for that," said Mrs. Guppy. "Get out with you. If we ain't good enough for you, go and procure somebody that is good enough. Go along and find 'em." I was quite unprepared for the rapid manner in which Mrs. Guppy's power of jocularity merged into a power of taking the profoundest offence. "Go along and find somebody that's good enough for you," repeated Mrs. Guppy. "Get out!" Nothing seemed to astonish Mr. Guppy's mother so much, and to make her so very indignant, as our not getting out. "Why don't you get out?" said Mrs. Guppy. "What are you stopping here for?" "Mother," interposed her son, always getting before her, and pushing her back with one shoulder, as she sidled at my guardian, "will you hold your tongue?" "No, William," she returned; "I Not unless he gets out, I won't! won't!" However, Mr. Guppy and Mr. Jobling together closed on Mr. Guppy's mother (who began to be quite abusive), and took her, very much against her will, down-stairs; her voice rising a stair higher every time her figure got a stair lower, and insisting that we should immediately go and find somebody who was good enough for us, and above all things that we should get out. CHAPTER LXV. BEGINNING THE WORLD. THE term had commenced, and my guardian found an intimation from Mr. Kenge that the Cause would come on in two days. As I had sufficient hopes of the will to be in a flutter about it, Allan and I agreed to go down to the Court that morning. Richard was extremely agitated, and was so weak and low, though his illness was still of the mind, that my dear girl indeed had sore occasion to be supported. But she looked forward--a very little way now-to the help that was to come to her, and never drooped. It was at Westminster that the Cause was to come on. It had come on there, |