 his glass in his eye, and in
part by the great subtlety of his smile.
    »Under these circumstances,« said Mr. Dorrit, »I believe I express the
sentiments of - ha - Mrs. General, no less than my own, when I say that there is
no objection, but - ha hum - quite the contrary - to your gratifying your
desire, Amy. I trust I may - ha - hail - this desire,« said Mr. Dorrit, in an
encouraging and forgiving manner, »as an auspicious omen. It is quite right to
know these people. It is a very proper thing. Mr. Merdle's a name of - ha -
world-wide repute. Mr. Merdle's undertakings are immense. They bring him in such
vast sums of money, that they are regarded as - hum - national benefits. Mr.
Merdle is the man of this time. The name of Merdle is the name of the age. Pray
do everything on my behalf that is civil to Mr. and Mrs. Gowan, for we will - ha
- we will certainly notice them.«
    This magnificent accordance of Mr. Dorrit's recognition settled the matter.
It was not observed that Uncle had pushed away his plate, and forgotten his
breakfast; but he was not much observed at any time, except by Little Dorrit.
The servants were recalled, and the meal proceeded to its conclusion. Mrs.
General rose and left the table. Little Dorrit rose and left the table. When
Edward and Fanny remained whispering together across it, and when Mr. Dorrit
remained eating figs and reading a French newspaper, Uncle suddenly fixed the
attention of all three, by rising out of his chair, striking his hand upon the
table, and saying, »Brother! I protest against it!«
    If he had made a proclamation in an unknown tongue, and given up the ghost
immediately afterwards, he could not have astounded his audience more. The paper
fell from Mr. Dorrit's hand, and he sat petrified, with a fig half-way to his
mouth.
    »Brother!« said the old man, conveying a surprising energy into his
trembling voice, »I protest against it! I love you; you know I love you dearly.
In these many years, I have never been untrue to you in a single thought. Weak
as I am, I would at any time have struck any man who spoke ill of you. But,
brother, brother, brother, I protest against it!«
    It was extraordinary to see of
