 yours to me in a confidence which I have really
wished to respect - and which I always have respected, as you remember. I have
mentioned my illness. 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'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 -«
    »I am quite satisfied,« said I, rising at this point, »and I thank you very
much. Caddy, my dear, I am ready!«
    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 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.
    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!«
    »I do,« said I, »quite confidently.«
    »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.«
    »Well, Caddy,« said I, turning to her, »perhaps you will not be surprised
when I tell you, my dear, that there never has
