When she had got down, she took me by the hand; led me, wondering, into the kitchen; and shut the door.
'Peggotty!' said I, quite frightened.

'What's the matter ?' 'Nothing's the matter, bless you, Master Davy dear!' she answered, assuming an air of sprightliness.
'Something's the matter, I'm sure.

Where's mama ?' 'Where's mama, Master Davy ?' repeated Peggotty.
'Yes.

Why hasn't she come out to the gate, and what have we come in here for?
Oh, Peggotty!' My eyes were full, and I felt as if I were going to tumble down.
'Bless the precious boy!' cried Peggotty, taking hold of me.

'What is it?
Speak, my pet!' 'Not dead, too! Oh, she's not dead, Peggotty ?' Peggotty cried out No! with an astonishing volume of voice; and then sat down, and began to pant, and said I had given her a turn.
I gave her a hug to take away the turn, or to give her another turn in the right direction, and then stood before her, looking at her in anxious inquiry.
'You see, dear, I should have told you before now,' said Peggotty, 'but I hadn't an opportunity.