‘In short,’ said Mr. Grewgious, ’this betrothal is a wish, a sentiment, a friendly project, tenderly expressed on both sides.  That it was strongly felt, and that there was a lively hope that it would prosper, there can be no doubt.  When you were both children, you began to be accustomed to it, and it has prospered.  But circumstances alter cases; and I made this visit to-day, partly, indeed principally, to discharge myself of the duty of telling you, my dear, that two young people can only be betrothed in marriage (except as a matter of convenience, and therefore mockery and misery) of their own free will, their own attachment, and their own assurance (it may or it may not prove a mistaken one, but we must take our chance of that), that they are suited to each other, and will make each other happy.  Is it to be supposed, for example, that if either of your fathers were living now, and had any mistrust on that subject, his mind would not be changed by the change of circumstances involved in the change of your years?  Untenable, unreasonable, inconclusive, and preposterous!’

Mr. Grewgious said all this, as if he were reading it aloud; or, still more, as if he were repeating a lesson.  So expressionless of any approach to spontaneity were his face and manner.

‘I have now, my dear,’ he added, blurring out ‘Will’ with his pencil, ’discharged myself of what is doubtless a formal duty in this case, but still a duty in such a case.  Memorandum, “Wishes.”  My dear, is there any wish of yours that I can further?’

Rosa shook her head, with an almost plaintive air of hesitation in want of help.

’Is there any instruction that I can take from you with reference to your affairs?’

‘I—­I should like to settle them with Eddy first, if you please,’ said Rosa, plaiting the crease in her dress.

‘Surely, surely,’ returned Mr. Grewgious.  ’You two should be of one mind in all things.  Is the young gentleman expected shortly?’

’He has gone away only this morning.  He will be back at Christmas.’

’Nothing could happen better.  You will, on his return at Christmas, arrange all matters of detail with him; you will then communicate with me; and I will discharge myself (as a mere business acquaintance) of my business responsibilities towards the accomplished lady in the corner window.  They will accrue at that season.’  Blurring pencil once again.  ’Memorandum, “Leave.”  Yes.  I will now, my dear, take my leave.’

‘Could I,’ said Rosa, rising, as he jerked out of his chair in his ungainly way:  ’could I ask you, most kindly to come to me at Christmas, if I had anything particular to say to you?’