 I may contemplate for her
advancement, the testamentary intentions I may have with reference to her? Have
you considered anything, Mr. Copperfield?«
    »Very little, sir, I am afraid;« I answered, speaking to him as respectfully
and sorrowfully as I felt; »but pray believe me, I have considered my worldly
position. When I explained it to you, we were already engaged -«
    »I BEG,« said Mr. Spenlow, more like Punch than I had ever seen him, as he
energetically struck one hand upon the other - I could not help noticing that
even in my despair; »that you will NOT talk to me of engagements, Mr.
Copperfield!«
    The otherwise immoveable Miss Murdstone laughed contemptuously in one short
syllable.
    »When I explained my altered position to you, sir,« I began again,
substituting a new form of expression for what was so unpalatable to him, »this
concealment, into which I am so unhappy as to have led Miss Spenlow, had begun.
Since I have been in that altered position, I have strained every nerve, I have
exerted every energy, to improve it. I am sure I shall improve it in time. Will
you grant me time - any length of time? We are both so young, sir, -«
    »You are right,« interrupted Mr. Spenlow, nodding his head a great many
times, and frowning very much, »you are both very young. It's all nonsense. Let
there be an end of the nonsense. Take away those letters, and throw them in the
fire. Give me Miss Spenlow's letters to throw in the fire; and although our
future intercourse must, you are aware, be restricted to the Commons here, we
will agree to make no further mention of the past. Come, Mr. Copperfield, you
don't want sense; and this is the sensible course.«
    No. I couldn't think of agreeing to it. I was very sorry, but there was a
higher consideration than sense. Love was above all earthly considerations, and
I loved Dora to idolatry, and Dora loved me. I didn't exactly say so; I softened
it down as much as I could; but I implied it, and I was resolute upon it. I
don't think I made myself very ridiculous, but I know I was resolute.
    »Very well, Mr. Copperfield,« said Mr. Spenlow, »I must try my influence
with my daughter.«
    Miss Murdstone, by an
