and she will be pleased with you.’

‘I should like to be as sure of that, as you are kind enough to say you are,’ I answered, smiling.

‘Oh!’ said Steerforth, ‘everyone who likes me, has a claim on her that is sure to be acknowledged.’

‘Then I think I shall be a favourite,’ said I.

‘Good!’ said Steerforth. ‘Come and prove it. We will go and see the lions for an hour or two — it’s something to have a fresh fellow like you to show them to, Copperfield — and then we’ll journey out to Highgate by the coach.’

I could hardly believe but that I was in a dream, and that I should wake presently in number forty-four,