 the echo of Captain Hopkins's voice! When my thoughts go back now, to
that slow agony of my youth, I wonder how much of the histories I invented for
such people hangs like a mist of fancy over well-remembered facts! When I tread
the old ground, I do not wonder that I seem to see and pity, going on before me,
an innocent romantic boy, making his imaginative world out of such strange
experiences and sordid things.
 

                                  Chapter XII

      Liking Life on My Own Account no Better, I Form a Great Resolution.

In due time, Mr. Micawber's petition was ripe for hearing; and that gentleman
was ordered to be discharged under the act, to my great joy. His creditors were
not implacable; and Mrs. Micawber informed me that even the revengeful
boot-maker had declared in open court that he bore him no malice, but that when
money was owing to him he liked to be paid. He said he thought it was human
nature.
    Mr. Micawber returned to the King's Bench when his case was over, as some
fees were to be settled, and some formalities observed, before he could be
actually released. The club received him with transport, and held an harmonic
meeting that evening in his honour; while Mrs. Micawber and I had a lamb's fry
in private, surrounded by the sleeping family.
    »On such an occasion I will give you, Master Copperfield,« said Mrs.
Micawber, »in a little more flip,« for we had been having some already, »the
memory of my papa and mama.«
    »Are they dead, ma'am?« I enquired, after drinking the toast in a
wine-glass.
    »My mama departed this life,« said Mrs. Micawber, »before Mr. Micawber's
difficulties commenced, or at least before they became pressing. My papa lived
to bail Mr. Micawber several times, and then expired, regretted by a numerous
circle.«
    Mrs. Micawber shook her head, and dropped a pious tear upon the twin who
happened to be in hand.
    As I could hardly hope for a more favourable opportunity of putting a
question in which I had a near interest, I said to Mrs. Micawber:
    »May I ask, ma'am, what you and Mr. Micawber intend to do, now that Mr.
Micawber is out of his difficulties, and at liberty? Have you settled yet?«
    »My family,« said Mrs. Micawber, who always said those two words with an
air,
