say I cannot do it. I - ha - must not do it.
My - hum - conscience would not allow it. I therefore, my love, take the
opportunity afforded by this gratifying and impressive occasion of - ha -
solemnly remarking, that it is now a cherished wish and purpose of mine to see
you - ha - eligibly (I repeat eligibly) married.«
    »Oh no, dear! Pray!«
    »Amy,« said Mr. Dorrit, »I am well persuaded that if the topic were referred
to any person of superior social knowledge, of superior delicacy, and sense -
let us say, for instance, to - ha - Mrs. General - that there would not be two
opinions as to the - hum - affectionate character and propriety of my
sentiments. But, as I know your loving and dutiful nature from - hum - from
experience, I am quite satisfied that it is necessary to say no more. I have -
hum - no husband to propose at present, my dear: I have not even one in view. I
merely wish that we should - ha - understand each other. Hum. Good night, my
dear and sole remaining daughter. Good night. God bless you!«
    If the thought ever entered Little Dorrit's head, that night, that he could
give her up lightly now, in his prosperity, and when he had it in his mind to
replace her with a second wife, she drove it away. Faithful to him still, as in
the worst times through which she had borne him single-handed, she drove the
thought away; and entertained no harder reflection, in her tearful unrest, than
that he now saw everything through their wealth, and through the care he always
had upon him that they should continue rich, and grow richer.
    They sat in their equipage of state, with Mrs. General on the box, for three
weeks longer, and then he started for Florence to join Fanny. Little Dorrit
would have been glad to bear him company so far, only for the sake of her own
love, and then to have turned back alone, thinking of dear England. But, though
the Courier had gone on with the Bride, the Valet was next in the line; and the
succession would not have come to her, as long as any one could be got for
money.
    Mrs. General took life easily - as easily, that is, as she could take
anything - when the Roman establishment remained in their sole occupation; and
Little Dorrit would often ride out in a hired