merits as the archdeacon had been, and circulated such praises
of her surpassing worth, in all quarters where he thought an opportunity might
arise of transferring the blessing to somebody else, that Mrs. General was a
name more honourable than ever.
    The phoenix was to let, on this elevated perch, when Mr. Dorrit, who had
lately succeeded to his property, mentioned to his bankers that he wished to
discover a lady, well bred, accomplished, well connected, well accustomed to
good society, who was qualified at once to complete the education of his
daughters, and to be their matron or chaperon. Mr. Dorrit's bankers, as the
bankers of the county-widower, instantly said, »Mrs. General.«
    Pursuing the light so fortunately hit upon, and finding the concurrent
testimony of the whole of Mrs. General's acquaintance to be of the pathetic
nature already recorded, Mr. Dorrit took the trouble of going down to the county
of the county-widower, to see Mrs. General. In whom he found a lady of a quality
superior to his highest expectations.
    »Might I be excused,« said Mr. Dorrit, »if I inquired - ha - what remune-«
    »Why, indeed,« returned Mrs. General, stopping the word, »it is a subject on
which I prefer to avoid entering. I have never entered on it with my friends
here; and I cannot overcome the delicacy, Mr. Dorrit, with which I have always
regarded it. I am not, as I hope you are aware, a governess -«
    »O dear no!« said Mr. Dorrit. »Pray, madam, do not imagine for a moment that
I think so.« He really blushed to be suspected of it.
    Mrs. General gravely inclined her head. »I cannot, therefore, put a price
upon services which it is a pleasure to me to render, if I can render them
spontaneously, but which I could not render in mere return for any
consideration. Neither do I know how, or where, to find a case parallel to my
own. It is peculiar.«
    No doubt. But how then (Mr. Dorrit not unnaturally hinted) could the subject
be approached?
    »I cannot object,« said Mrs. General - »though even that is disagreeable to
me - to Mr. Dorrit's inquiring, in confidence of my friends here, what amount
they have been accustomed, at quarterly intervals, to pay to my credit at my
bankers'.«
    Mr. Dorrit bowed his