“ I take a degree!” cried Steerforth. “Not I! my dear Daisy⁠—will you mind my calling you Daisy?”

“Not at all!” said I.

“That’s a good fellow! My dear Daisy,” said Steerforth, laughing. “I have not the least desire or intention to distinguish myself in that way. I have done quite sufficient for my purpose. I find that I am heavy company enough for myself as I am.”

“But the fame⁠—” I was beginning.

“You romantic Daisy!” said Steerforth, laughing still more heartily: “why should I trouble myself, that a parcel of heavy-headed fellows may gape and hold up their hands? Let them do it at some other man. There’s fame for him, and he’s welcome to it.”