Page 1162 - david-copperfield

Peggotty, who I knew could be relied on; and that to Mr.
Peggotty should be quietly entrusted the discretion of ad-
vancing another hundred. I further proposed to interest
Mr. Micawber in Mr. Peggotty, by confiding so much of Mr.
Peggotty’s story to him as I might feel justified in relating,
or might think expedient; and to endeavour to bring each
of them to bear upon the other, for the common advantage.
We all entered warmly into these views; and I may mention
at once, that the principals themselves did so, shortly after-
wards, with perfect good will and harmony.
Seeing that Traddles now glanced anxiously at my aunt
again, I reminded him of the second and last point to which
he had adverted.
‘You and your aunt will excuse me, Copperfield, if I touch
upon a painful theme, as I greatly fear I shall,’ said Trad-
dles, hesitating; ‘but I think it necessary to bring it to your
recollection. On the day of Mr. Micawber’s memorable de-
nunciation a threatening allusion was made by Uriah Heep
to your aunt’s - husband.’
My aunt, retaining her stiff position, and apparent com-
posure, assented with a nod.
‘Perhaps,’ observed Traddles, ‘it was mere purposeless
impertinence?’
‘No,’ returned my aunt.
‘There was - pardon me - really such a person, and at all
in his power?’ hinted Traddles.
‘Yes, my good friend,’ said my aunt.
Traddles, with a perceptible lengthening of his face, ex-
plained that he had not been able to approach this subject;

11 1