“I never doubted her,” said Mr. Peggotty. “No! Not a bit! On’y let her see my face⁠—on’y let her heer my voice⁠—on’y let my stanning still afore her bring to her thoughts the home she had fled away from, and the child she had been⁠—and if she had growed to be a royal lady, she’d have fell down at my feet! I know’d it well! Many a time in my sleep had I heerd her cry out, ‘Uncle!’ and seen her fall like death afore me. Many a time in my sleep had I raised her up, and whispered to her, ‘Em’ly, my dear, I am come fur to bring forgiveness, and to take you home!’ ”

He stopped and shook his head, and went on with a sigh.