‘At all events,’ says Traddles, ‘if I ever am one — ’ ‘Why, you know you will be.’

‘Well, my dear Copperfield, WHEN I am one, I shall tell the story, as I said I would.’

We walk away, arm in arm.

I am going to have a family dinner with Traddles. It is Sophy’s birthday; and, on our road, Traddles discourses to me of the good fortune he has enjoyed.

‘I really have been able, my dear Copperfield, to do all that I had most at heart. There’s the Reverend Horace promoted to that living at four hundred and fifty pounds a year; there are our two boys receiving the very best education, and distinguishing themselves as steady scholars and good fellows; there