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.
    »It's a six-roomer, exclusive of kitchens,« 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
ouse, when her 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 movements
of the upper circles, fully backs me in the intentions I am now developing.«
    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 shoulder, and seemed much amused.
    »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