“He is such a speaker,” I pursued, “that he can win anybody over; and I don’t know what you’d say if you were to hear him sing, Mr. Peggotty.”

Mr. Peggotty gave his head another toss, as much as to say: “I have no doubt of it.”

“Then, he’s such a generous, fine, noble fellow,” said I, quite carried away by my favourite theme, “that it’s hardly possible to give him as much praise as he deserves. I am sure I can never feel thankful enough for the generosity with which he has protected me, so much younger and lower in the school than himself.”