In some few months less than another year, you know, I shall carry Pussy off from school as Mrs.Edwin Drood.

I shall then go engineering into the East, and Pussy with me.

And although we have our little tiffs now, arising out of a certain unavoidable flatness that attends our love-making, owing to its end being all settled beforehand, still I have no doubt of our getting on capitally then, when it's done and can't be helped.

In short, Jack, to go back to the old song I was freely quoting at dinner (and who knows old songs better than you ?), my wife shall dance, and I will sing, so merrily pass the day.

Of Pussy's being beautiful there cannot be a doubt;--and when you are good besides, Little Miss Impudence,' once more apostrophising the portrait, 'I'll burn your comic likeness, and paint your music-master another.' Mr.Jasper, with his hand to his chin, and with an expression of musing benevolence on his face, has attentively watched every animated look and gesture attending the delivery of these words.