 as a
Mausoleum of needlework, favourable to self-examination and repentance; and by
inspecting the Tower of London; and going to the top of St. Paul's. All these
wonders afforded Peggotty as much pleasure as she was able to enjoy, under
existing circumstances: except, I think, St. Paul's, which, from her long
attachment to her work-box, became a rival of the picture on the lid, and was,
in some particulars, vanquished, she considered, by that work of art.
    Peggotty's business, which was what we used to call common-form business in
the Commons (and very light and lucrative the common-form business was), being
settled, I took her down to the office one morning to pay her bill. Mr. Spenlow
had stepped out, old Tiffey said, to get a gentleman sworn for a marriage
licence; but as I knew he would be back directly, our place lying close to the
Surrogate's, and to the Vicar-General's office too, I told Peggotty to wait.
    We were a little like undertakers, in the Commons, as regarded Probate
transactions; generally making it a rule to look more or less cut up, when we
had to deal with clients in mourning. In a similar feeling of delicacy, we were
always blithe and light-hearted with the licence clients. Therefore I hinted to
Peggotty that she would find Mr. Spenlow much recovered from the shock of Mr.
Barkis's decease; and indeed he came in like a bridegroom.
    But neither Peggotty nor I had eyes for him, when we saw, in company with
him, Mr. Murdstone. He was very little changed. His hair looked as thick, and
was certainly as black, as ever; and his glance was as little to be trusted as
of old.
    »Ah, Copperfield?« said Mr. Spenlow. »You know this gentleman, I believe?«
    I made my gentleman a distant bow, and Peggotty barely recognised him. He
was, at first, somewhat disconcerted to meet us two together; but quickly
decided what to do, and came up to me.
    »I hope,« he said, »that you are doing well?«
    »It can hardly be interesting to you,« said I. »Yes, if you wish to know.«
    We looked at each other, and he addressed himself to Peggotty.
    »And you,« said he. »I am sorry to observe that you have lost your husband.«
    »It
