we have been residing here, on the general subject of the formation
of a demeanour. She has expressed herself to me as wondering exceedingly at
Venice. I have mentioned to her that it is better not to wonder. I have pointed
out to her that the celebrated Mr. Eustace, the classical tourist, did not think
much of it; and that he compared the Rialto, greatly to its disadvantage, with
Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges. I need not add, after what you have said,
that I have not yet found my arguments successful. You do me the honour to ask
me what I advise. It always appears to me (if this should prove to be a baseless
assumption, I shall be pardoned), that Mr. Dorrit has been accustomed to
exercise influence over the minds of others.«
    »Hum - madam,« said Mr. Dorrit, »I have been at the head of - ha - of a
considerable community. You are right in supposing that I am not unaccustomed to
- an influential position.«
    »I am happy,« returned Mrs. General, »to be so corroborated. I would
therefore the more confidently recommend, that Mr. Dorrit should speak to Amy
himself, and make his observations and wishes known to her. Being his favourite
besides, and no doubt attached to him, she is all the more likely to yield to
his influence.«
    »I had anticipated your suggestion, madam,« said Mr. Dorrit, »but - ha - was
not sure that I might - hum - not encroach on -«
    »On my province, Mr. Dorrit?« said Mrs. General, graciously. »Do not mention
it.«
    »Then, with your leave, madam,« resumed Mr. Dorrit, ringing his little bell
to summon his valet, »I will send for her at once.«
    »Does Mr. Dorrit wish me to remain?«
    »Perhaps, if you have no other engagement, you would not object for a minute
or two -«
    »Not at all.«
    So, Tinkler the valet was instructed to find Miss Amy's maid, and to request
that subordinate to inform Miss Amy that Mr. Dorrit wished to see her in his own
room. In delivering this charge to Tinkler, Mr. Dorrit looked severely at him,
and also kept a jealous eye upon him until he went out at the door, mistrusting
that he might have something in his mind prejudicial to the family dignity; that
he might have even got wind of some Collegiate joke before he came into the
service