e and
keep her company.'

With that they parted for the time. And the day ended, and the night
ended, and the morning came, and Little Dorrit, simply dressed as usual
and having no one with her but Maggy, came into the prison with the
sunshine. The poor room was a happy room that morning. Where in the
world was there a room so full of quiet joy!

'My dear love,' said Arthur. 'Why does Maggy light the fire? We shall be
gone directly.'

'I asked her to do it. I have taken such an odd fancy. I want you to
burn something for me.'

'What?'

'Only this folded paper. If you will put it in the fire with your own
hand, just as it is, my fancy will be gratified.'

'Superstitious, darling Little Dorrit? Is it a charm?'

'It is anything you like best, my own,' she answered, laughing with
glistening eyes and standing on tiptoe to kiss him, 'if you will only
humour me when the fire burns up.'

So they stood before the fire, waiting: Clennam with his arm about her
waist, and the fire shining, as fire in that same place had often shone,
in Little Dorrit's eyes. 'Is it bright enough now?' said Arthur. 'Quite
bright enough now,' said Little Dorrit. 'Does the charm want any words
to be said?' asked Arthur, as he held the paper over the flame. 'You can
say (if you don't mind) "I love you!"' answered Little Dorrit. So he said
it, and the paper burned away.

They passed very quietly along the yard; for no one was there, though
many heads were stealthily peeping from the windows.

Only one face, familiar of old, was in the Lodge. When they had both
accosted it, and spoken many kind words, Little Dorrit turned back one
last time with her hand stretched out, saying, 'Good-bye, good John! I
hope you will live very happy, dear!'

Then they went up the steps of the neighbouring Saint George's Church,
and went up to the altar, where Daniel Doyce was waiting in his paternal
character. And there was Little Dorrit's old friend who had given her
the Burial Register for a pillow; full of admiration that she should
come back to them to be married, after all.

And they were married with the sun shining on them through the painted
figure of Our Saviour on the window. And they went into the very room
where Little Dorrit had slumbered after her party, to sign the Marriage
Register. And there, Mr Pancks, (destined to be chief clerk to Doyce and
Clennam, and afterwards partner in the house), sinking the Incendiary
in the peaceful friend, looked