, Copperfield, I always
think?«
    »Very pretty!« said I.
    »Not, of course, but that Sophy is beautiful too in my eyes, and would be
one of the dearest girls that ever was, in anybody's eyes (I should think). But
when I say the eldest is a Beauty, I mean she really is a -« he seemed to be
describing clouds about himself, with both hands: »Splendid, you know,« said
Traddles, energetically.
    »Indeed!« said I.
    »Oh, I assure you,« said Traddles, »something very uncommon, indeed! Then,
you know, being formed for society and admiration, and not being able to enjoy
much of it in consequence of their limited means, she naturally gets a little
irritable and exacting, sometimes. Sophy puts her in good humour!«
    »Is Sophy the youngest?« I hazarded.
    »Oh dear, no!« said Traddles, stroking his chin. »The two youngest are only
nine and ten. Sophy educates 'em.«
    »The second daughter, perhaps?« I hazarded.
    »No,« said Traddles. »Sarah's the second. Sarah has something the matter
with her spine, poor girl. The malady will wear out by-and-bye, the doctors say,
but in the meantime she has to lie down for a twelvemonth. Sophy nurses her.
Sophy's the fourth.«
    »Is the mother living?« I inquired.
    »Oh yes,« said Traddles, »she is alive. She is a very superior woman indeed,
but the damp country is not adapted to her constitution, and - in fact, she has
lost the use of her limbs.«
    »Dear me!« said I.
    »Very sad, is it not?« returned Traddles. »But in a merely domestic view it
is not so bad as it might be, because Sophy takes her place. She is quite as
much a mother to her mother, as she is to the other nine.«
    I felt the greatest admiration for the virtues of this young lady; and,
honestly with the view of doing my best to prevent the good-nature of Traddles
from being imposed upon, to the detriment of their joint prospects in life,
inquired how Mr. Micawber was?
    »He is quite well, Copperfield, thank you,« said Traddles. »I am not living
with him at present.«
    »No?«
    »No. You see the truth is,« said
