Chapter 38 Chapter Thirty-Four Surprised News

I wrote to Agnes as soon as Dora and I were engaged.I wrote her a long letter.I want her to know from the letter how happy I am and how lovely Dora is.I beseech Agnes that she must not classify this love as one of those useless and capricious ones, or think of it as having the slightest resemblance to that childish fancy we so often laugh at.I assure her that this love is indeed unfathomable and unfathomable. One clear night, I sat at an open window and wrote to Agnes.Before I knew it, I recalled her bright and calm eyes and gentle face, so my recent excitement, which has become more or less excited and impetuous because of my happiness, also felt the tranquil comfort of this memory, so, I burst into tears.I remember sitting with my head in my hands halfway through that letter, thinking vaguely that Agnes would be integral to the home I had to build.It seemed that Dora and I would be happier than anywhere in that quiet home that is almost sanctified by Agnes's presence.It seems that no matter what the emotion is - love, joy, sorrow, hope and disappointment - my heart naturally turns there; where I find refuge and my best friend.

I said nothing about Steerforth.I only told her that Yarmouth had suffered a great deal of grief because of Emily's elopement; and that everything connected with it made it doubly traumatic on me.I knew how quick she was always to discover the truth, and I knew she would never say his name first. After sending this letter, the returning post brought me her reply.As I read her letter, I thought I heard Agnes talking to me.The letter was like her voice speaking earnestly in my ear.What can I say? Traddles had been here two or three times during my recent absence.He saw Peggotty.After hearing Peggotty herself say that she was my old nurse (as she often offered to those who would listen to her report), he got on quite well with her, and stayed and talked with her about me.So says Peggotty, but I'm afraid it will be chiefly her own, and quite a long time, for she can't stop when it comes to me, God bless her!

This reminds me not only of having waited on Traddles on the afternoon he fixed a day, but also of Mrs. Crupp giving up all work which was hers before Peggotty disappeared from her sight ( Only salary is excluded).Mrs. Crupp had commented all over Peggotty at the top of the stairs to an acquaintance, who seemed invisible, for there was really no one else.After this she sent me another letter in which she fully expressed her opinion.That credit began with words that would have been useful to her in every occasion of her life, and that was: She was a mother herself; Nosy people, spies have an innate hatred.She said she would not name any names; those hats should be worn by anyone who fit them; but she had always looked down on spies, meddlers, spies, especially in widow's mourning (after the last words she line added).If any gentleman fell victim to a spy, a meddler, a spy (she still wouldn't name any), it was his own will.He has every right to make himself happy, so let him do it.Mrs. Crupp would like to state that she would not "associate" with such a person.So she begged me to forgive her for not taking care of the suite until everything was back to normal, until everything was as expected; Ledgers are placed on the breakfast table every Saturday morning, intended to save all parties involved annoyance and "a certain invariance" by which she means "inconvenience."

Mrs. Crupp was always putting up obstacles on the stairs, chiefly water jugs, in case Peggotty should trip and break his leg since then.I find it hard to live under such a siege, but I'm so afraid of Mrs. Crupp that I can't think of any good way to get out of it. "My dear Copperfield," cried Traddles.Despite all the obstacles, he showed up at my door on time, "How are you?" "My dear Traddles," said I, "I am very glad to see you at last. It's a pity I wasn't home earlier.But I've always been so busy—" "Yes, yes, I know," said Traddles, "of course. Your people live in London, I suppose."

"What did you say?" "She—I'm sorry—Miss Dow, you know," said Traddles, blushing and considerately, "lives in London, I believe." "Oh yes. Lives near London." "My man, perhaps you remember," said Traddles gravely, "lived in Devon—one of those ten. So, I'm not as busy as you—in that sense." "It's so rare to see her," I said quickly, "I'm surprised you can bear it." "Ha!" said Traddles thoughtfully, "it is indeed like a miracle. I think let it go, Copperfield, because of helplessness?"

"I think so," I replied, smiling, not without blushing, "but also because your perseverance and patience are so unshakeable, Traddles." "My God," said Traddles, after reflecting on the words, "do you think I'm that, Copperfield? I really didn't know I was. But she's such a strange creature." Ordinary good girl, perhaps she can give me some of that virtue. I am not surprised when you say it now, Copperfield. I dare say she never forgets herself, and takes care of the other nine. " "Is she the oldest one?" I asked. "Oh no," said Traddles. "The eldest is a beauty."

I guess he couldn't help smiling at my innocent answer, so he smiled on his clever face; and he added: "Of course, no, but my Sophie—very lovely name, Copperfield? I think so often." "It's cute!" I said. "Of course, no, but Sophie is beautiful in my eyes, and I think in anyone's eyes, would be one of the most beautiful girls. But when I say the oldest is a beauty, I mean that she is really beautiful." It's a—" He moved his hands as if he were gesticulating the clouds around him: "Beautiful, you know," said Traddles earnestly.

"Really!" I said. "Oh, I'll assure you," said Traddles, "a very remarkable sort of people, indeed! Now, you know, with their limited means, she can't enjoy much of the society and admiration she seems to be born for, She's also a little irritable and critical at times. And Sophie puts her in a good mood!" "Is Sophie the youngest?" I said casually. "Oh, no!" said Traddles, touching his chin. "The youngest were nine and ten. It was Sophie who educated them." "Number two, maybe?" I blurted out. "No," said Traddles. "The second is Sarah. There is something wrong with Sarah's spine, poor girl. The doctor says it will go away, but she will have to stay in bed for twelve months before that. Sophie is nursing her. Sophie is fourth."

"Is the mother still alive?" I asked. "Oh, yes," said Traddles, "she's alive. She's a fine woman, but the damp place is so unsuitable to her constitution that—in fact, her limbs are gone. It worked." "My God!" I said. "It's miserable, isn't it?" continued Traddles.But from a family point of view it's not so bad.Sophie took her place.She was as much a mother to her mother as she was to the other nine. My heartfelt admiration for the virtues of this young lady; and determined to keep the good-natured Traddles from being deceived so as to jeopardize their common future, I asked Mr. Micawber how he was doing.

"He is well, Copperfield, thank you," said Traddles, "and I am not living with him now." "No?" "No. You know," said Traddles, lowering his voice, "that his name has been changed to Mortimer on account of his temporary difficulties; he does not go out before dark, and wears spectacles when he does. Our house has been enforced by the courts. Mrs. Micawber is in such a dire state that I cannot help signing that second promissory note we have spoken of here. Now that the matter is settled, Mrs. Micawber Rejuvenated, Copperfield, you can imagine how happy I was."

"Hmm!" I said. "But her happiness was soon over," continued Traddles, "for, unfortunately, in the same week a second coercion was imposed. This time tore the family apart." I've lived in a furnished flat since then, and the Mortimers have become haunted. Copperfield, if I speak, the junk dealer took my marble-topped little The table was taken, and Sophie's pot and shelf, I hope you don't take that as selfish?" "How cruel!" I exclaimed angrily. "It's a -- a pressing thing," said Traddles with his usual cringe, "but I don't speak of it reproachfully, but For some motive. The thing is, Copperfield, I couldn't afford to buy those few things back when they were confiscated; High; and secondly, because I—I had no money. Well, I've been keeping an eye on that thrift shop at the other end of Tottenham Road ever since," said Traddles, interested in the secret, "Finally, I found out that those few things were put up for sale today. I just looked across the street, because if the second-hand dealer sees me, my God, he will ask for a lot of money! Now, I Rich, all I'm thinking is, if you don't object, ask your good nanny to come with me to the shop. I showed her the place on the corner of the adjoining street, and made her seem like she was going to buy it for herself. Negotiate the price like buying those few things!" The interest Traddles showed me in talking about the project, and his sense of himself about this unusual project, is one of the most vivid in my recollection. I told him my old nanny would be happy to help him.The three of us can go there together.On one condition, however, and that was that he should resolve not to lend his name, nor anything else, to Mr. Micawber. "My dear Copperfield," said Traddles, "I have done it, because I have come to realize that I have not only been too mean, but also Sophie. I have sworn to myself that there will be no more Hesitated; but I am more than willing to assure you. I have paid that first ill-fated debt. I have no doubt that if Mr. Micawber can pay it, he will, one thing. I should say, Copperfield, that it was Micawber's, and I was delighted with it. It had to do with a second debt not yet due. He didn't tell me. He didn't tell me it was Prepared, but he said it would be prepared. Well, I think there's a sense of fairness and honesty in that!" I didn't want to hurt my good friend's confidence, so I agreed.After some more talk, we went to the grocer and invited Peggotty; and Traddles would not stay with me that evening, for fear that the property might be taken before he had, and because Evenings are the nights he spends writing letters to the most precious girl in the world. How Peggotty stared round the corner of Tottenham Road while he bargained for the few things; How excited he was when he compromised and called her again, and she walked back; I will never forget this.The result of the negotiations was that she got the few things at a considerable bargain, to the delight of Traddles. "I'm so grateful to you," said he, when he heard that the few things would be delivered to his place that evening, "if I beg you to do me one more favor, I hope you won't think it's nonsense, Copperfield. you." I immediately said definitely not. "Then, if you'll be kind enough," said Traddles to Peggotty, "get that pot now. I think I'd like to take it back myself (because it's Sophie's, Cole Bofill)!" Peggotty would be more than happy to fetch the pot for him.He thanked her profusely, and took the thing lovingly to Tottenham Road with the most joyous expression I ever saw on his face. So we went back to my place.As those shops held a special attraction for Peggotty, I walked slowly, waiting for her now and then, amused by the way she looked at the windows.In this way, we walked a long time to Adelphi. As I went upstairs, I called her attention to the fact that all of Mrs. Crupp's organs had vanished, and that there were footprints left by recent walks.Going up a little further, I found the door of my outer room wide open (which I had closed earlier), and heard voices from within.Both of us were amazed. We looked at each other, wondering what the hell was going on, and walked into the living room.We found none other than my aunt and Mr. Dick there.How amazed I was!My great-aunt sat on a pile of luggage like a female Robinson Crusoe, her two birds in front of her, her cat on her lap, and she herself was drinking tea.Mr. Dick was leaning thoughtfully on a big kite like the one we used to fly together, with more luggage beside him! "My dear aunt!" I exclaimed, "ha! what unexpected joy!" We embraced affectionately; Mr. Dick and I shook hands affectionately; and Mrs. Crupp, who was busy preparing tea, was very obliging, and said she had expected Mr. Copperfield's surprise at the sight of his dear relations. . "Hello!" said my aunt to Peggotty, who was cowering before her dignity. "How are you?" "You remember my aunt, Peggotty?" said I. "For God's sake, boy," cried my aunt, "don't call that woman by that South Sea Island name! If she marries, she gets rid of that name too— It couldn't be better--why don't you respect the merits of her change?Your surname is—Pi? ’ said my aunt, as a concession to the hateful surname. "Baggis, ma'am," said Peggotty, with a salute. "Well! That's a human name," said my aunt. "It doesn't sound like you need a missionary or anything. Hello, Bagis. How are you, I hope?" These affectionate words, coupled with seeing the hand extended by the aunt, encouraged Bagis to come over to shake hands and salute. "We're a little older than we used to be, I know," said my aunt. "We've only met once before, you know. We did a good job then! Tello, my dear, have another drink." I respectfully handed the tea to my aunt who was always upright, and then bravely advised her not to sit on the box. "Let me move the sofa or the easy chair here, Auntie," I said, "why are you so uncomfortable?" "Thank you, Trol," answered my aunt, "I'd rather sit on my property." At this point, my aunt gave Mrs. Crupp a hard look and said, "We don't need you to bother here, Mrs. .” "Would you like some more tea in the kettle before I go, ma'am?" said Mrs. Crupp. "No, thank you, ma'am," answered my aunt. "Would you like another cream, ma'am?" said Mrs. Crupp. "Would you like a freshly laid egg? Shall I bake some ham? Mr. Copperfield, there's nothing I can do for your dear." Is there a place for my aunt to help me?" "No, ma'am," answered my aunt, "that's all right, thank you." Mrs. Crupp kept smiling, to show mildness; she kept turning her head on one side, to show her general weakness; she kept rubbing her hands, as a sign of serving all who were worthy of her service; Smiling like this, tilting his head, rubbing his hands, he walked out of the room. "Dick!" said my aunt, "remember what I told you about snobs and money-worshippers?" Mr. Dick hastily answered in the affirmative.But he looked as if he hadn't remembered the flustered look. "Mrs. Crupp is that kind of person," said my aunt. "Barkiss, I'm going to ask you to take care of this tea, so that I can have another cup, because I don't like the tea that woman pours." I know my aunt very well, so I know she has something big in mind, and her purpose of coming this time is much more important than what outsiders speculated.I noticed that her eyes rested on me when she thought I was paying attention to something else; she remained outwardly firm and composed, but inside she seemed to harbor a rare hesitation.I started to reflect on whether I had done something that could not live with her.My conscience whispered to me that I had not told her about Dora.Could it be because of this, how I want to know! I knew she would only speak her mind when she thought it was appropriate, so I sat down next to her, talked to the bird, played with the cat, and looked as relaxed as I could.But I was not really at ease, even if Mr. Dick, who was leaning over the big kite behind my aunt, hadn't secretly shook his head vaguely at me and pointed at her every chance he got. "Trow," said my aunt at last, after drinking her tea, smoothing her dress carefully, and drying her mouth—"you needn't go away, Baggis!—Trow, are you strong already? Are you confident?" "I hope so, Auntie." "Then, my dear," said my aunt, looking at me earnestly, "come to think of it, why should I rather sit on my property to-night?" I couldn't figure it out and shook my head. "Because," said my aunt, "it's all my property. Because I'm completely bankrupt, my dear!" I could not have been more surprised to hear that the house had fallen into the river with all of us. "Dick knows," said my aunt, calmly, putting her hand on my shoulder, "that I'm totally bankrupt, Troll! Get rid of that cottage, Troll, and all I have in the world is in this room in this room." No; I'll leave the cottage to Jenny to let. Bagis, I'm going to get this gentleman lodgings to-night. To save money, perhaps you can arrange for me here. Whatever you want. Just get through the day. Late. We'll talk about it again tomorrow." She flung herself on my neck and cried that she was only sad for me, and I woke up from the shock and the worry for her—I was pretty sure it was for her.Presently she restrained this feeling, and said with more pride than frustration: "We should face failure bravely, and not be frightened by it, my dear. We should learn to play out the drama. We must overcome misfortune, Trollo!"