“No thank you,” I replied.

“You can, if you like, you know,” said Steerforth. “Say the word.”

“No, thank you, sir,” I repeated.

“Perhaps you’d like to spend a couple of shillings or so, in a bottle of currant wine by and by, up in the bedroom?” said Steerforth. “You belong to my bedroom, I find.”

It certainly had not occurred to me before, but I said, Yes, I should like that.

“Very good,” said Steerforth. “You’ll be glad to spend another shilling or so, in almond cakes, I dare say?”

I said, Yes, I should like that, too.

“And another shilling or so in biscuits, and another in fruit, eh?” said Steerforth. “I say, young Copperfield, you’re going it!”