ent for you, in order that I might say--hum--impressively say, in
the presence of Mrs General, to whom we are all so much indebted
for obligingly being present among us, on--ha--on this or any other
occasion,' Mrs General shut her eyes, 'that I--ha hum--am not pleased
with you. You make Mrs General's a thankless task. You--ha--embarrass
me very much. You have always (as I have informed Mrs General) been my
favourite child; I have always made you a--hum--a friend and companion;
in return, I beg--I--ha--I do beg, that you accommodate yourself
better to--hum--circumstances, and dutifully do what becomes your--your
station.'

Mr Dorrit was even a little more fragmentary than usual, being excited
on the subject and anxious to make himself particularly emphatic.

'I do beg,' he repeated, 'that this may be attended to, and that you
will seriously take pains and try to conduct yourself in a manner both
becoming your position as--ha--Miss Amy Dorrit, and satisfactory to
myself and Mrs General.'

That lady shut her eyes again, on being again referred to; then, slowly
opening them and rising, added these words: 'If Miss Amy Dorrit will
direct her own attention to, and will accept of my poor assistance in,
the formation of a surface, Mr. Dorrit will have no further cause of
anxiety. May I take this opportunity of remarking, as an instance
in point, that it is scarcely delicate to look at vagrants with the
attention which I have seen bestowed upon them by a very dear young
friend of mine? They should not be looked at. Nothing disagreeable
should ever be looked at. Apart from such a habit standing in the way
of that graceful equanimity of surface which is so expressive of good
breeding, it hardly seems compatible with refinement of mind. A truly
refined mind will seem to be ignorant of the existence of anything that
is not perfectly proper, placid, and pleasant.' Having delivered this
exalted sentiment, Mrs General made a sweeping obeisance, and retired
with an expression of mouth indicative of Prunes and Prism.

Little Dorrit, whether speaking or silent, had preserved her quiet
earnestness and her loving look. It had not been clouded, except for a
passing moment, until now. But now that she was left alone with him
the fingers of her lightly folded hands were agitated, and there was
repressed emotion in her face.

Not for herself. She might feel a little wounded, but her care was not
for herself. Her thoughts still turned, as th