David Copperfield

Chapter 87

Chapter 37 A little cold water

It's been over a week since my new life.My determination to deal with difficulties is stronger now.In everything I do, I decide to do my best.I offered myself to Dora as a total sacrifice.

Dora did not know my desperate determination.But it was another Saturday and she was going to Miss Mills'.

At this time, we settled down on Baijinghan Street, and Mr. Dick happily copied.My aunt quit Mrs. Crupp.

The ingenious aunt made small improvements to the family arrangement, and I seemed to be richer.

Peggotty happily helped her, and they became close friends.When the Saturday came when I was to go to Miss Mills's, she had to go home and attend to Ham's business. "Goodbye, Bagis," said my aunt, "and take care!"

At parting she cried.

"David," said Peggotty, "if you need money, I will lend you it."

I replied that I must borrow her money.It makes her happy.

"And," whispered Peggotty, "tell Dora that I am very fond of her, and tell her that I shall make your home very beautiful until you are married."

I promised her and she left happily.

At the appointed time in the evening, I went to Mr. Mills Street.

I saw Dora looking at me from the balcony, and when she spotted me, she ran in again.

Dora came to welcome me at the drawing-room door, and we went in together in the happiest way.I asked Dora coldly, would she love a beggar?

Little Dora was startled, for her association with a beggar was a yellow face, or a dog with a bottle holder in its mouth, or something of that sort, and she stared at me with the happiest surprise.

"What a silly question," said Dora, "love a beggar?"

"Dora!" said I, "I am already a beggar!"

"How can you be so stupid," said Dora, smacking my hand, "you're so stupid, I'll let Jeep bite you!"

Her childish appearance is very cute, but the frankness is certain, I solemnly repeated:

"Dora, I am your unlucky star!"

If you go on fooling around," said Dora, "I'll let Jeep bite you!"

Seeing my seriousness, Dora showed fear and anxiety, and then cried.I knelt down in front of the couch to comfort her, but she was so flustered! She wanted to find Julia Mills! It didn't end until I was going crazy.

I gradually comforted her until there was nothing left but affection.Her face was pressed against mine, and I put my arms around her and said, I love her so much; I cannot bear to lose her.

"Does your heart still belong to me, Dora?" I asked, and she pressed close to me.

"Yes!" cried Dora, "it's all yours, don't frighten me so much!"

I scare Dora!

"Don't talk about being poor, and don't talk about working hard!" Dora said, leaning closer to me, "No!"

"My dear ones," I said, "the hard-earned breadcrumbs—"

"Yes, but I don't want to hear about crusts!" said Dora. "Jip must have a mutton chop for lunch every day, or he'll die!"

I said fondly to Dora that Kip would eat his chops as usual.I have pictured the modest home maintained by my own toil--

"Am I still scary, Dora?" I asked softly.

"No!" cried Dora, "but I wish your aunt would stay in her own room more often! And not be an old curse!"

If I could love Dora more than I did before, I'm sure I'd do it, but I think she's a little unrealistic.When she had completely calmed down, I solemnly said:

"Honey, can I say one thing?"

"Please don't be realistic!" said Dora. "That frightens me."

"Honey!" I said, "don't panic, I want you to think differently. I'll make it encourage you and move you, Dora!"

"But that's too scary!" cried Dora.

"No. Fortitude and strength of character make a man bear all things!"

"But I can't help it," said Dora. "Can I, Kip? You must kiss Kip, and be good!"

I couldn't refuse her to let me kiss Kip, and she insisted that the kiss be performed on the center of Kip's nose.I did—she fascinated me, and I lost my serious nature for a long time.

"Dora, my love!" said I, "I have something to say."

"Actually I don't mean that, darling!" I said, "but, Dora, if you think about it--think about it now--you're engaged to a poor man."

"Don't do it!" cried Dora. "That's too horrible!"

"But my soul, it's not like that!" said I. "If you think about it that way, keep an eye on your father's housekeeping, and try to get into a little habit—say, in the accounts—"

Little Dora refused to accept the suggestion.

"It will be very useful to us in the future," I said, "and it will be good for both of us if you will read me a little cookery book. Our journey in life," I said, "maybe it will be uneven, it will be It’s up to us to work on ourselves. Be brave and forge our own path.”

She was very panicked.

I feel like killing her this time.I then begged her to forgive me, and there was nothing I could do.

But it wasn't long before Miss Michelle discovered the truth of the matter.

She comforted Dora.Gradually we all quieted down.I told Miss Mills that she would be my friend forever.

Miss Mills said that where there is love, there is everything.

I then asked Miss Mills if the books, housekeeping, cooking, were of any practical value.

Miss Mills replied:

"Mr. Copperfield, inner distress will make people mature. Dora is not practical. She is the embodiment of light and joy."

For Dora, Miss Mills was willing to help me, and I asked her if she would keep the cookbook, and she accepted the commission not optimistically.

After tea, we played the banjo.Dora sang and danced happily.

But again our fun was thwarted, for, Miss Mills mentioned the next morning, and I unfortunately said to be up at five o'clock every day.Dora's interest was great.

"Don't get up at five o'clock. That's too much nonsense!"

I said: "I have to do something!"

Dora said, "Why are you doing it?"

I had to jokingly say, "We should work hard to live.

"How ridiculous!" cried Dora.

"How do you live without working, Dora?" I asked.

"What?" said Dora.

Well! I love her with all my heart, but, as I work hard, I think about how I can get through adversity as quickly as possible.

(End of this chapter)