 though I never could discover who came under the denomination, »my family
are of opinion that Mr. Micawber should quit London, and exert his talents in
the country. Mr. Micawber is a man of great talent, Master Copperfield.«
    I said I was sure of that.
    »Of great talent,« repeated Mrs. Micawber. »My family are of opinion, that,
with a little interest, something might be done for a man of his ability in the
Custom House. The influence of my family being local, it is their wish that Mr.
Micawber should go down to Plymouth. They think it indispensable that he should
be upon the spot.«
    »That he may be ready?« I suggested.
    »Exactly,« returned Mrs. Micawber. »That he may be ready, in case of
anything turning up.«
    »And do you go too, ma'am?«
    The events of the day, in combination with the twins, if not with the flip,
had made Mrs. Micawber hysterical, and she shed tears as she replied:
    »I never will desert Mr. Micawber. Mr. Micawber may have concealed his
difficulties from me in the first instance, but his sanguine temper may have led
him to expect that he would overcome them. The pearl necklace and bracelets
which I inherited from mama, have been disposed of for less than half their
value; and the set of coral, which was the wedding gift of my papa, has been
actually thrown away for nothing. But I never will desert Mr. Micawber. No!«
cried Mrs. Micawber, more affected than before, »I never will do it! It's of no
use asking me!«
    I felt quite uncomfortable - as if Mrs. Micawber supposed I had asked her to
do anything of the sort! - and sat looking at her in alarm.
    »Mr. Micawber has his faults. I do not deny that he is improvident. I do not
deny that he has kept me in the dark as to his resources and his liabilities,
both,« she went on, looking at the wall; »but I never will desert Mr. Micawber!«
    Mrs. Micawber having now raised her voice into a perfect scream, I was so
frightened that I ran off to the club-room, and disturbed Mr. Micawber in the
act of presiding at a long table, and leading the chorus of
 
Gee up, Dobbin,
Gee ho, Dobbin,
Gee up, Dobbin,
Gee up, and gee ho-o-o!
 
- with
