At length, much to my relief, my aunt and Mr. Wickfield came back, after a pretty long absence. They were not so successful as I could have wished; for though the advantages of the school were undeniable, my aunt had not approved of any of the boardinghouses proposed for me.

“It’s very unfortunate,” said my aunt. “I don’t know what to do, Trot.”

“It does happen unfortunately,” said Mr. Wickfield. “But I’ll tell you what you can do, Miss Trotwood.”

“What’s that?” inquired my aunt.

“Leave your nephew here, for the present. He’s a quiet fellow. He won’t disturb me at all. It’s a capital house for study. As quiet as a monastery, and almost as roomy. Leave him here.”