The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of cellulose-reactive sizing agent containing an acid anhydride, an anionic polyelectrolyte and a nitrogen-containing organic compound which is an amine or quaternary ammonium thereof having a molecular weight less than 180 and/or having one or more hydroxyl groups. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper which comprises adding the aqueous dispersion of cellulose-reactive sizing agent to an aqueous cellulosic suspension.