 passages in which he more particularly traced his own successful career to
its source, and warned the younger portion of his auditory from the shoals of
ever incurring pecuniary liabilities which they were unable to liquidate,
brought a tear into the manliest eye present. The remaining toasts were DOCTOR
MELL; MRS. MICAWBER (who gracefully bowed her acknowledgments from the
side-door, where a galaxy of beauty was elevated on chairs, at once to witness
and adorn the gratifying scene); MRS. RIDGER BEGS (late Miss Micawber); MRS.
MELL; WILKINS MICAWBER, ESQUIRE, JUNIOR (who convulsed the assembly by
humorously remarking that he found himself unable to return thanks in a speech,
but would do so, with their permission, in a song); MRS. MICAWBER'S FAMILY (well
known, it is needless to remark, in the mother-country), etc. etc. etc. At the
conclusion of the proceedings the tables were cleared as if by art-magic for
dancing. Among the votaries of TERPSICHORE, who disported themselves until Sol
gave warning for departure, Wilkins Micawber, Esquire, Junior, and the lovely
and accomplished Miss Helena, fourth daughter of Doctor Mell, were particularly
remarkable.«
 
I was looking back to the name of Doctor Mell, pleased to have discovered, in
these happier circumstances, Mr. Mell, formerly poor pinched usher to my
Middlesex magistrate, when Mr. Peggotty pointing to another part of the paper,
my eyes rested on my own name, and I read thus:
 
                        »To David Copperfield, Esquire.
                              The Eminent Author.
 
        My Dear Sir,
            Years have elapsed, since I had an opportunity of ocularly perusing
        the lineaments, now familiar to the imaginations of a considerable
        portion of the civilised world.
            But, my dear sir, though estranged (by the force of circumstances
        over which I have had no control) from the personal society of the
        friend and companion of my youth, I have not been unmindful of his
        soaring flight. Nor have I been debarred,
Though seas between us braid ha' roared,
        (BURNS) from participating in the intellectual feasts he has spread
        before us.
            I cannot, therefore, allow of the departure from this place of an
        individual whom we mutually respect and esteem, without, my dear sir,
        taking this public opportunity of thanking you, on my own behalf, and, I
        may undertake to add, on that of the whole of the Inhabitants of Port
        Middlebay, for the gratification of which you are the ministering agent.
            Go on, my dear sir! You are not unknown here, you are not
