engagement between Mr. Copperfield and our niece, until we have had an opportunity — ’

‘Until YOU have had an opportunity, sister Lavinia,’ said Miss Clarissa.

‘Be it so,’ assented Miss Lavinia, with a sigh — ‘until I have had an opportunity of observing them.’

‘Copperfield,’ said Traddles, turning to me, ‘you feel, I am sure, that nothing could be more reasonable or considerate.’

‘Nothing!’ cried I.

‘I am deeply sensible of it.’

‘In this position of affairs,’ said Miss Lavinia, again referring to her notes, ‘and admitting his