Mr.Spenlow remarked, on this occasion, when we concluded our business, that he should have been happy to have seen me at his house at Norwood to celebrate our becoming connected, but for his domestic arrangements being in some disorder, on account of the expected return of his daughter from finishing her education at Paris.

But, he intimated that when she came home he should hope to have the pleasure of entertaining me.

I knew that he was a widower with one daughter, and expressed my acknowledgements.
Mr.Spenlow was as good as his word.

In a week or two, he referred to this engagement, and said, that if I would do him the favour to come down next Saturday, and stay till Monday, he would be extremely happy.
Of course I said I would do him the favour; and he was to drive me down in his phaeton, and to bring me back.
When the day arrived, my very carpet-bag was an object of veneration to the stipendiary clerks, to whom the house at Norwood was a sacred mystery.

One of them informed me that he had heard that Mr.Spenlow ate entirely off plate and china; and another hinted at champagne being constantly on draught, after the usual custom of table-beer.