“All of a sudden, one evening⁠—as it might be tonight⁠—comes little Em’ly from her work, and him with her! There ain’t so much in that , you’ll say. No, because he takes care on her, like a brother, arter dark, and indeed afore dark, and at all times. But this tarpaulin chap, he takes hold of her hand, and he cries out to me, joyful, ‘Look here! This is to be my little wife!’ And she says, half bold and half shy, and half a laughing and half a crying, ‘Yes, Uncle! If you please.’⁠—If I please!” cried Mr. Peggotty, rolling his head in an ecstasy at the idea; “Lord, as if I should do anythink else!⁠—‘If you please, I am steadier now, and I have thought better of it, and I’ll be as good a little wife as I can to him, for he’s a dear, good fellow!’ Then Missis Gummidge, she claps her hands like a play, and you come in. Theer! the murder’s out!” said Mr. Peggotty⁠—“You come in! It took place this here present hour; and here’s the man that’ll marry her, the minute she’s out of her time.”