come here. I wish mother had come here. It would be better for everybody, if they got took up, and was brought here.’

This sentiment gave unbounded satisfaction — greater satisfaction, I think, than anything that had passed yet.

‘Before I come here,’ said Uriah, stealing a look at us, as if he would have blighted the outer world to which we belonged, if he could, ‘I was given to follies; but now I am sensible of my follies. There’s a deal of sin outside. There’s a deal of sin in mother. There’s nothing but sin everywhere — except here.’

‘You are quite changed?’ said Mr. Creakle.

‘Oh dear, yes, sir!’ cried this hopeful penitent.