Shepausedforaninstantinherworktolookathim，andherlookrevivedthatformerpaininherfather’sbreast；inhispoorweakbreast，sofullofcontradictions，vacillations，inconsistencies，thelittlepeevishperplexitiesofthisignorantlife，mistswhichthemorningwithoutanightonlycanclearaway。
’Ihavebeenfreerwithyou，yousee，mydove，’saidtheoldman，’sincewehavebeenalone。Isay，alone，forIdon’tcountMrsGeneral；Idon’tcareforher；shehasnothingtodowithme。ButIknowFannywasimpatientofme。AndIdon’twonderatit，orcomplainofit，forIamsensiblethatImustbeintheway，thoughItrytokeepoutofitaswellasIcan。IknowIamnotfitcompanyforourcompany。MybrotherWilliam，’saidtheoldmanadmiringly，’isfitcompanyformonarchs；butnotsoyouruncle，mydear。FrederickDorritisnocredittoWilliamDorrit，andheknowsitquitewell。Ah!Why，here’syourfather，Amy!MydearWilliam，welcomeback!Mybelovedbrother，Iamrejoicedtoseeyou!’
Turninghisheadinspeaking，hehadcaughtsightofhimashestoodinthedoorway。
LittleDorritwithacryofpleasureputherarmsaboutherfather’sneck，andkissedhimagainandagain。Herfatherwasalittleimpatient，andalittlequerulous。’Iamgladtofindyouatlast，Amy，’hesaid。’Ha。ReallyIamgladtofind——hum——anyonetoreceivemeatlast。Iappeartohavebeen——ha——solittleexpected，thatuponmywordIbegan——hahum——tothinkitmightberighttoofferanapologyfor——ha——takingthelibertyofcomingbackatall。’
’Itwassolate，mydearWilliam，’saidhisbrother，’thatwehadgivenyouupforto-night。’