Page 1110 - david-copperfield

I had not seen Uriah Heep since the time of the blow.
Our visit astonished him, evidently; not the less, I dare say,
because it astonished ourselves. He did not gather his eye-
brows together, for he had none worth mentioning; but he
frowned to that degree that he almost closed his small eyes,
while the hurried raising of his grisly hand to his chin be-
trayed some trepidation or surprise. This was only when
we were in the act of entering his room, and when I caught
a glance at him over my aunt’s shoulder. A moment after-
wards, he was as fawning and as humble as ever.
‘Well, I am sure,’ he said. ‘This is indeed an unexpected
pleasure! To have, as I may say, all friends round St. Paul’s
at once, is a treat unlooked for! Mr. Copperfield, I hope I see
you well, and - if I may umbly express myself so - friendly
towards them as is ever your friends, whether or not. Mrs.
Copperfield, sir, I hope she’s getting on. We have been made
quite uneasy by the poor accounts we have had of her state,
lately, I do assure you.’
I felt ashamed to let him take my hand, but I did not
know yet what else to do.
‘Things are changed in this office, Miss Trotwood, since
I was an umble clerk, and held your pony; ain’t they?’ said
Uriah, with his sickliest smile. ‘But I am not changed, Miss
Trotwood.’
‘Well, sir,’ returned my aunt, ‘to tell you the truth, I think
you are pretty constant to the promise of your youth; if
that’s any satisfaction to you.’
‘Thank you, Miss Trotwood,’ said Uriah, writhing in his
ungainly manner, ‘for your good opinion! Micawber, tell

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