Of course - she don't like it - but must be done - avert suspicion -

afraid of her brother - says there's no help for it - only a few days

more - when old folks blinded - crown your happiness.'

Any message?'

'Love - best love - kindest regards - unalterable affection. Can I say

anything for you?'

My dear fellow,' replied the unsuspicious Mr Tupman, fervently

grasping his 'friend's' hand - 'carry my best love - say how hard I find

it to dissemble - say anything that's kind: but add how sensible I am

of the necessity of the suggestion she made to me, through you, this

morning. Say I applaud her wisdom and admire her discretion.' 'I will.

Anything more?'

'Nothing, only add how ardently I long for the time when I may call her

mine, and all dissimulation may be unnecessary.'

'Certainly, certainly. Anything more?'

Oh, my friend!' said poor Mr Tupman, again grasping the hand of his

companion, 'receive my warmest thanks for your disinterested

kindness; and forgive me if I have ever, even in thought, done you the

injustice of supposing that you could stand in my way. My dear friend,

can I ever repay you?'

Don't talk of it,' replied Mr Jingle. He stopped short, as if suddenly

recollecting something, and said - 'By the bye - can't spare ten

pounds, can you? - very particular purpose - pay you in three days.'

I dare say I can,' replied Mr Tupman, in the fulness of his heart.

Three days, you say?'

Only three days - all over then - no more difficulties.' Mr Tupman

counted the money into his companion's hand, and he dropped it

piece by piece into his pocket, as they walked towards the house.

Be careful,' said Mr Jingle - 'not a look.'

Not a wink,' said Mr Tupman.

Not a syllable.'

Not a whisper.'

All your attentions to the niece - rather rude, than otherwise, to the

aunt - only way of deceiving the old ones.'

The Pickwick Papers