“It’s not a great deal towards the furnishing,” said Traddles, “but it’s something. The tablecloths, and pillowcases, and articles of that kind, are what discourage me most, Copperfield. So does the ironmongery⁠—candle-boxes, and gridirons, and that sort of necessaries⁠—because those things tell, and mount up. However, ‘wait and hope!’ And I assure you she’s the dearest girl!”

“I am quite certain of it,” said I.

“In the meantime,” said Traddles, coming back to his chair; “and this is the end of my prosing about myself, I get on as well as I can. I don’t make much, but I don’t spend much. In general, I board with the people downstairs, who are very agreeable people indeed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Micawber have seen a good deal of life, and are excellent company.”

“My dear Traddles!” I quickly exclaimed. “What are you talking about?”