indow, and on the spikes at the top. He slowly stretched out
the hand that had been upon his heart, and pointed at the wall.

"It is down," said Clennam. "Gone! And in its place are the means to
possess and enjoy the utmost that they have so long shut out. Mr.
Dorrit, there is not the smallest doubt that within a few days you will
be free and highly prosperous."

They had to fetch wine for the old man, and when he had swallowed a
little he leaned back in his chair and cried. But he quickly recovered,
and announced that everybody concerned should be nobly rewarded.

"No one, my dear sir, shall say that he has an unsatisfied claim against
me. Everybody shall be remembered. I will not go away from here in
anybody's debt. I particularly wish to act munificently, Mr. Clennam."

Clennam's offer of money for present contingencies was at once accepted.

"I am obliged to you for the temporary accommodation, sir. Exceedingly
temporary, but well timed--well timed. Be so kind, sir, as to add the
amount to former advances."

He grew more composed presently, and then when he seemed to be falling
asleep unexpectedly sat up and said, "Mr. Clennam, am I to understand,
my dear sir, that I could pass through the lodge at this moment, and
take a walk?"

"I think not, Mr. Dorrit," was the unwilling reply. "There are certain
forms to be completed. It is but a few hours now."

"A few hours, sir!" he returned in a sudden passion. "You talk very
easily of hours, sir! How long do you suppose, sir, that an hour is to a
man who is choking; for want of air?"

It was his last demonstration for that time, but in the interval before
the day of his departure he was very imperious with the lawyers
concerned in his release, and a good deal of business was transacted.

Mr. Arthur Clennam received a cheque for L24 93. 8d. from the solicitors
of Edward Dorrit, Esq.--once "Tip"--with a note that the favour of the
advance now repaid had not been asked of him.

To the applications made by collegians within the so-soon-to-be-orphaned
Marshalsea for small sums of money, Mr. Dorrit responded with the
greatest liberality. He also invited the whole College to a
comprehensive entertainment in the yard, and went about among the
company on that occasion, and took notice of individuals, like a baron
of the olden time, in a rare good humour.

And now the final hour arrived when he and his family were to leave the
prison for ever. The carriage was reported r