"To-morrow week." I fell upon my knees. Selina did the same; for, in my joy at her compliance, I had forgotten that one chair was supporting us both. Oh, what a busy day was that which followed! I entered Skelton's (the tailor's) shop with the journeymen. I ordered three complete suits! As the rolls were taken into Quillit's parlour, I was shown into the office. The worthy lawyer thrice scalded his throat in his anxiety to comply with my repeated requests to "see him immediately." He came at last. A few brief sentences explained the nature of my business, and he hastened to accompany me to Selina. I was so excited by the novelty of my situation, that I fell over the maid who was cleaning the step of the door, and narrowly escaped dragging Quillit after. Had he fallen, I shudder at the contemplation of the probable result; for he was a man well to do in the world, and enjoyed a rotundity of figure unrivalled in the good city of Norwich. His black waistcoat might have served for a bill of fare to an eating-house, for it exhibited samples of all Mrs. Glass's choicest preparations. Away we went, realising the poet's description of Ajax and Camilla: "When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw, The line too labours, and the words move slow: Not so when swift Camilla scours the plain, Flies o'er the unbending corn, and skims along the main." We resembled Reason and Hope, or one of Pickford's barges and a towing-horse. The little brass knocker was again in my hand, the kidney-potato was again at the door, and I led in the perspiring lawyer, but looked in vain for that expression of admiration which I fondly anticipated would have illumined his little grey eyes at the sight of my Venusian Selina. "This is Mr. Quillit," said I. "Indeed?" replied Selina. "We have come, mum," said Quillit, "to arrange a very necessary preliminary to the delicate ceremony which my friend Wise has informed me will take place on this day week." Selina blushed. Her mother (bless me! I've quite overlooked her!) screwed up her face into an expression between laughing and crying; and I--I pushed one hand through my hair, and the other into my breeches pocket. "Mum," continued Quillit, "our business this morning is to make the arrangements for your marriage-settlement; and my friend Wise wishes to know what part of your two thousand----" "Seven hundred and forty-five pounds, fourteen shillings, and sixpence," said I _sotto voce_. "--You wish settled upon yourself." "Oh, nothing,--I require nothing!" exclaimed Selina. "Hur--!" said I, half rising from my chair in ecstasy at her disinterestedness. "Hem!" coughed Quillit, and took out his toothpick. "Nothing!" I at length ejaculated. "No, Selina; you shall not be subject to the accidents of fortune. Mr. Quillit, put down two thousand pounds." And so he did.