“Then I tell you what, Steerforth. I think I will go down and see my old nurse. It is not that I can do her any good, or render her any real service; but she is so attached to me that my visit will have as much effect on her, as if I could do both. She will take it so kindly that it will be a comfort and support to her. It is no great effort to make, I am sure, for such a friend as she has been to me. Wouldn’t you go a day’s journey, if you were in my place?”

His face was thoughtful, and he sat considering a little before he answered, in a low voice, “Well! Go. You can do no harm.”

“You have just come back,” said I, “and it would be in vain to ask you to go with me?”

“Quite,” he returned. “I am for Highgate tonight. I have not seen my mother this long time, and it lies upon my conscience, for it’s something to be loved as she loves her prodigal son.⁠—Bah! Nonsense!⁠—You mean to go tomorrow, I suppose?” he said, holding me out at arm’s length, with a hand on each of my shoulders.