Page 624 - david-copperfield

from my own knowledge of him, is calculated to shine; and
the profits, I am told, are e-NOR-MOUS! But if Mr. Micaw-
ber cannot get into those firms - which decline to answer
his letters, when he offers his services even in an inferior
capacity - what is the use of dwelling upon that idea? None.
I may have a conviction that Mr. Micawber’s manners -’
‘Hem! Really, my dear,’ interposed Mr. Micawber.
‘My love, be silent,’ said Mrs. Micawber, laying her brown
glove on his hand. ‘I may have a conviction, Mr. Copper-
field, that Mr. Micawber’s manners peculiarly qualify him
for the Banking business. I may argue within myself, that
if I had a deposit at a banking-house, the manners of Mr.
Micawber, as representing that banking-house, would in-
spire confidence, and must extend the connexion. But if the
various banking-houses refuse to avail themselves of Mr.
Micawber’s abilities, or receive the offer of them with con-
tumely, what is the use of dwelling upon THAT idea? None.
As to originating a banking-business, I may know that there
are members of my family who, if they chose to place their
money in Mr. Micawber’s hands, might found an estab-
lishment of that description. But if they do NOT choose to
place their money in Mr. Micawber’s hands - which they
don’t - what is the use of that? Again I contend that we are
no farther advanced than we were before.’
I shook my head, and said, ‘Not a bit.’ Traddles also
shook his head, and said, ‘Not a bit.’
‘What do I deduce from this?’ Mrs. Micawber went on to
say, still with the same air of putting a case lucidly. ‘What
is the conclusion, my dear Mr. Copperfield, to which I am