Mr. Dorrit is pleased by the social connections Fanny's marriage will bring and proud of how she is doing her duty by elevating the family name. He tells his future son-in-law that he wishes to correspond with Mr. Merdle, feeling that the engagement isn't "on" until he knows how that esteemed gentleman's views of it. Mr. Sparkler, as always, admires that Fanny is no-nonsense and is certain Mr. Merdle will approve.
Mrs. Merdle is surprised by the engagement, thinking her son would never marry. However, she is pleased-and she is certain Mr. Merdle will approve of it as well. She and Mr. Dorrit meet and exchange compliments.
Mr. Merdle and Mr. Dorrit correspond and arrive at an understanding.
Fanny doesn't want her father to tell Mrs. General about her marriage. She is sick of Mrs. General
