David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Chapter 39 Page 17

‘And what is it?’ said Agnes, cheerfully.

‘I don’t know what to call it,’ I replied.

‘I think I am earnest and persevering?’

‘I am sure of it,’ said Agnes.

‘And patient, Agnes?’ I inquired, with a little hesitation.

‘Yes,’ returned Agnes, laughing. ‘Pretty well.’

‘And yet,’ said I, ‘I get so miserable and worried, and am so unsteady and irresolute in my power of assuring myself, that I know I must want — shall I call it — reliance, of some kind?’

‘Call it so, if you will,’ said Agnes.