The months passed, and I reached my twenty-first birthday. Traddles was still studying to be a lawyer, and still hoping to marry "the dearest girl in the world". I had moved out of my flat into a pleasant little house, and at last Dora's aunts had agreed to our marriage. I was looking forward to the happiest day of my life. The next few days went by very fast in a mist of excitement and happiness. My aunt and Mr Dick moved into an even smaller house near mine, and Peggotty travelled from Yarmouth to be present at my wedding.

I had always wanted Agnes to meet Dora, so I was glad when they met, the day before the wedding. It was beautiful to see Dora's pretty face next to Agnes's calm one, and Dora whispering her secrets into Agnes's ears，as a child does to its mother. But after Agnes had gone to see my aunt, Dora said seriously to me, when we were alone，" Perhaps if I'd had Agnes as a friend when I was younger, David dear, I wouldn't be so foolish and silly."

" But I love you as you are, Dora！" I replied.

" I wonder why you ever fell in love with me！"

" Because nobody can see you, and not fall in love with you！"

" But if you'd never seen me, David, I wonder who you'd have married…"