“But it does matter,” Mr. Lorry urged.
“No it doesn’t; I assure you it doesn’t. Having supposed that
there was sense where there is no sense, and a laudable ambition
where there is not a laudable ambition, I am well out of my
mistake, and no harm is done. Young women have committed
similar follies often before, and have repented them in poverty and
obscurity often before. In an unselfish aspect, I am sorry that the
thing is dropped, because it would have been a bad thing for me in
a worldly point of view; in a selfish aspect, I am glad that the thing
Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics
has dropped, because it would have been a bad thing for me in a
worldly point of viewit is hardly necessary to say I could have
gained nothing by it. There is no harm at all done. I have not
proposed to the young lady, and, between ourselves, I am by no
means certain, on reflection, that I ever should have committed
myself to that extent. Mr. Lorry, you cannot control the mincing
vanities and giddinesses of empty-headed girls; you must not
expect to do it, or you will always be disappointed. Now, pray say
no more about it. I tell you, I regret it on account of others, but I
am satisfied on my own account. And I am really very much
obliged to you for allowing me to sound you, and for giving me
your advice; you know the young lady better than I do; you were
right, it never would have done.”
Mr. Lorry was so taken aback, that he looked quite stupidly at
Mr. Stryver shouldering him towards the door, with an
appearance of showering generosity, forbearance, and goodwill,
on his erring head. “Make the best of it; m