Shall he have the pleasure of directing the messenger to ask if there are any letters for you ?' 'I thank him, but I know there can be none.' 'We are afraid,' said Pet, sitting down beside her, shyly and half tenderly, 'that you will feel quite deserted when we are all gone.' 'Indeed!' 'Not,' said Pet, apologetically and embarrassed by her eyes, 'not, of course, that we are any company to you, or that we have been able to be so, or that we thought you wished it.' 'I have not intended to make it understood that I did wish it.' 'No.

Of course.

But--in short,' said Pet, timidly touching her hand as it lay impassive on the sofa between them, 'will you not allow Father to tender you any slight assistance or service?
He will be very glad.' 'Very glad,' said Mr Meagles, coming forward with his wife and Clennam.
'Anything short of speaking the language, I shall be delighted to undertake, I am sure.' 'I am obliged to you,' she returned, 'but my arrangements are made, and I prefer to go my own way in my own manner.' 'Do you ?' said Mr Meagles to himself, as he surveyed her with a puzzled look.

'Well! There's character in that, too.' 'I am not much used to the society of young ladies, and I am afraid I may not show my appreciation of it as others might.

A pleasant journey to you.