When Allan Woodcourt spoke to you, my dear, he spoke with my knowledge and consent — but I gave him no encouragement, not I, for these surprises were my great reward, and I was too miserly to part with a scrap of it. He was to come and tell me all that passed, and he did. I have no more to say. My dearest, Allan Woodcourt stood beside your father when he lay dead — stood beside your mother. This is Bleak House. This day I give this house its little mistress; and before God, it is the brightest day in all my life!"

He rose and raised me with him. We were no longer alone. My husband — I have called him by that name full seven happy years now — stood at my side.

"Allan," said my guardian, "take from me a willing gift, the best wife that ever man