 between man
and man.«
    My aunt observed, that in a case where both parties were willing to agree to
anything, she took it for granted there would be no difficulty in settling this
point. Mr. Micawber was of her opinion.
    »In reference to our domestic preparations, madam,« said Mr. Micawber, with
some pride, »for meeting the destiny to which we are now understood to be
self-devoted, I beg to report them. My eldest daughter attends at five every
morning in a neighbouring establishment, to acquire the process - if process it
may be called - of milking cows. My younger children are instructed to observe,
as closely as circumstances will permit, the habits of the pigs and poultry
maintained in the poorer parts of this city: a pursuit from which they have, on
two occasions, been brought home, within an inch of being run over. I have
myself directed some attention, during the past week, to the art of baking; and
my son Wilkins has issued forth with a walking-stick and driven cattle, when
permitted, by the rugged hirelings who had them in charge, to render any
voluntary service in that direction - which I regret to say, for the credit of
our nature, was not often; he being generally warned, with imprecations, to
desist.«
    »All very right indeed,« said my aunt, encouragingly. »Mrs. Micawber has
been busy, too, I have no doubt.«
    »My dear madam,« returned Mrs. Micawber, with her business-like air, »I am
free to confess, that I have not been actively engaged in pursuits immediately
connected with cultivation or with stock, though well aware that both will claim
my attention on a foreign shore. Such opportunities as I have been enabled to
alienate from my domestic duties, I have devoted to corresponding at some length
with my family. For I own it seems to me, my dear Mr. Copperfield,« said Mrs.
Micawber, who always fell back on me (I suppose from old habit) to whomsoever
else she might address her discourse at starting, »that the time is come when
the past should be buried in oblivion; when my family should take Mr. Micawber
by the hand, and Mr. Micawber should take my family by the hand; when the lion
should lie down with the lamb, and my family be on terms with Mr. Micawber.«
    I said I thought so too.
    »This, at least, is the light, my dear Mr. Copperfield,« pursued Mrs
