David Copperfield

Chapter 83

Chapter 34 Auntie Startled Me

As soon as Dora and I were engaged, I told Agnes.I wrote her a long letter, and I wanted to tell her how happy I was and what a lovely person Dora was.I assured her that the love was genuine and unprecedented.

In the middle of writing that letter, I suddenly had a vague fancy that Agnes was a natural part of my family.Dora and I will be happier because of her than we would be anywhere else.As if in all emotions, my heart naturally thinks of home, where it finds refuge and best friends.

As for Steerforth, I only told him that I had been doubly wounded by Emily's elopement, which had caused me some terrible grief.

As I read the reply, I could hear Agnes talking to me.The letter lingered in my ears like her voice.What can I say?

Traddles visited three times in my absence.He met Peggotty, and learned that she was my old nurse, and they struck up a pleasant friendship, and talked about me.

"Copperfield," cried Traddles, appearing at my door in due time, "how do you do."

"Traddles," said I, "I am glad to see you again, and I am sorry I was not at home."

"I know," said Traddles, "of course you live in London."

"Miss Dora, you know," said Traddles, "she lives in London, doesn't she?"

"Yes, very close to London."

"Mine," said Traddles, "live in Devon—one of ten. So I'm not as busy as you."

I said, "It's amazing how you can stand it."

"Perhaps it is because there is no other way," said Traddles.

"I think so, too, and because of your perseverance and patience, Traddles."

Traddles thought a moment and said: "Do you think so, Copperfield? I don't even know I have that character. I'm sure she's always been forgetting herself, to take care of the other nine."

"Is she the biggest?" I asked.

"No," said Traddles, "the biggest is a beauty."

"Of course my Sophie is beautiful too - Copperfield, I often think so."

"Indeed!" I said.

"Of course Sophie is lovely too, but I say the biggest one is a 'beautiful woman, you know,'" Traddles said.

"Really!" I said.

"I'm sure," said Traddles, "an extraordinary human being, and she's naturally a little irascible and demanding at times, and Sophie can make her happy!"

"Is Sophie the youngest?" I asked casually.

"No! The youngest two are only nine and ten. Sophie educates them."

"Is it the second daughter?" I asked.

"No, the second is Sarah. She has some trouble with her spine and the doctor says she must lie down for twelve months. Sophie is watching her. She is the fourth."

"Is mother still alive?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Traddles, "she is a remarkable woman, but she is bedridden."

"Hey!" I said.

"It's sad, isn't it?" went on Traddles, "but it's not so bad in terms of the family specifically, because Sophie has taken her place."

Admiring the noble character of this lady, and wishing sincerely that Traddles' good character would not be deceived into interfering with their common future, I inquired of Mr. Micawber.

"He's fine," said Traddles. "I'm not living with him now."

"why?"

"You know," whispered Traddles, "in consequence of his plight he has changed his name to Mao Timo. Mrs. Micawber was in dire straits when our dwelling was enforced by the courts for arrears of rent, but she soon returned to the She recovered and she was happy."

"Her happiness was short-lived," continued Traddles, "for another enforcement came a week later. It broke up that family, and I lived in a flat from then on, and the Maultimoes became It's a secret."

Peggotty helped Traddles redeem his little round table and Sophie's pot and stand from the junk dealer.

Then back to my apartment.

when we go into the house.Surprised to find my aunt and Mr. Dick!

"My dear aunt!" I cried, "it is a pleasure to see you."

We hug.Mr. Dick shook my hand.

"You remember my aunt, Peggotty?" I asked.

"My God, child," cried my aunt, "don't call her by that name! She got married and got rid of that name, why don't you respect her? Your name is now—" As A compromise with that hideous surname, my aunt said.

"Baggis, madam," replied Peggotty.

"Well, that's better," said my aunt, "Baggis, I hope you're all right?"

These affectionate words caused Barkis to walk over, shake her hand, and thank her.

"We're getting older," said my aunt, "we've met! Troo, give me another cup of tea."

I handed my aunt the tea and then advised her not to sit on the box.

"Sit on the sofa or the easy chair, Auntie," I said. "Why are you so uncomfortable?"

"Thank you, Trol," replied my aunt, "I'm sitting on my property." At this, my aunt took a look at Mrs. Crupp, and said, "We won't bother you Yes, ma'am."

"Allow me to put some more tea in the kettle, will you?" asked Mrs. Crupp.

"No, thank you, ma'am," my aunt replied.

"Another dollop of cream?" asked Mrs. Crupp again. "Is there no room for me to be of service to your aunt, Mr. Copperfield?"

"No, ma'am," my aunt replied, "I'm fine now, thank you."

Mrs. Crupp left in disbelief.

"Dick!" said my aunt, "do you remember what I told you about the crowd and the worshipers of property?"

Mr. Dick made a hasty but affirmative answer.

"Mrs. Crupp's that sort of thing," said my aunt. "Baggis, I'm going to ask you to take care of the tea, and I don't want to drink the tea she pours me!"

I knew my aunt well enough that I knew she had something very important on her mind, and I could see her eyes resting on me when I was looking elsewhere.Although she looks strong and calm on the outside, she seems to be hesitant in her heart.My conscience reminded me that I had not told her about Dora.Is it because of this, I really want to find out!

She wants to bring it up when she sees fit, so I just sit down next to her and try to be as comfortable as possible.Mr. Dick also gestured to me at every dark opportunity, and I still felt uncomfortable.

"Trow," said my aunt, when she had finished her tea, "you needn't go, Baggis!--Trow, are you confident and determined?"

"I hope so, Auntie."

"Well," said my aunt, looking at me, "why do you suppose I'd rather sit on my property to-night?"

I shook my head.

"That's because," said my aunt, "that's all I have. Because I'm broke!"

I was hugely shocked!

"Dick knows," said my aunt, putting her hand on my shoulder, "I'm broke, Trol! Here's everything I have in the world except that little house, and I'm leaving that little house Rent to Jenny. Bagis, you'll get a bed for this gentleman to-night. To save money, I suppose you can make it up here for me. Anything. We'll get back to that tomorrow."

She hugged me and cried that she was only sorry for me, which woke me up from my consternation and worry.Presently she controlled herself and said:

"We've got to be brave! Don't let failure frighten us, we have to play this out. Overcome misfortune, Tro!"

(End of this chapter)