But now we never have these walks, and though it is the same house it is darker and much more gloomy than it used to be, indeed!' She paused here, but though the door creaked more than once, Mrs Quilp said nothing.
'Mind you don't suppose,' said the child earnestly, 'that grandfather is less kind to me than he was.

I think he loves me better every day, and is kinder and more affectionate than he was the day before.

You do not know how fond he is of me!' 'I am sure he loves you dearly,' said Mrs Quilp.
'Indeed, indeed he does!' cried Nell, 'as dearly as I love him.

But I have not told you the greatest change of all, and this you must never breathe again to any one.

He has no sleep or rest, but that which he takes by day in his easy chair; for every night and nearly all night long he is away from home.' 'Nelly!' 'Hush!' said the child, laying her finger on her lip and looking round.
'When he comes home in the morning, which is generally just before day, I let him in.