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CHAPTER 28
Mr. MICAWBER’S
GAUNTLET
ntil the day arrived on which I was to entertain my
Unewly-found old friends, I lived principally on Dora
and coffee. In my love-lorn condition, my appetite lan-
guished; and I was glad of it, for I felt as though it would
have been an act of perfidy towards Dora to have a natu-
ral relish for my dinner. The quantity of walking exercise I
took, was not in this respect attended with its usual conse-
quence, as the disappointment counteracted the fresh air. I
have my doubts, too, founded on the acute experience ac-
quired at this period of my life, whether a sound enjoyment
of animal food can develop itself freely in any human sub-
ject who is always in torment from tight boots. I think the
extremities require to be at peace before the stomach will
conduct itself with vigour.
On the occasion of this domestic little party, I did not
repeat my former extensive preparations. I merely provided
a pair of soles, a small leg of mutton, and a pigeon-pie. Mrs.
Crupp broke out into rebellion on my first bashful hint in
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