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CHAPTER 45
Mr. Dick fulfils my
aunt’s Predictions
t was some time now, since I had left the Doctor. Living in
Ihis neighbourhood, I saw him frequently; and we all went
to his house on two or three occasions to dinner or tea. The
Old Soldier was in permanent quarters under the Doctor’s
roof. She was exactly the same as ever, and the same im-
mortal butterflies hovered over her cap.
Like some other mothers, whom I have known in the
course of my life, Mrs. Markleham was far more fond of
pleasure than her daughter was. She required a great deal of
amusement, and, like a deep old soldier, pretended, in con-
sulting her own inclinations, to be devoting herself to her
child. The Doctor’s desire that Annie should be entertained,
was therefore particularly acceptable to this excellent par-
ent; who expressed unqualified approval of his discretion.
I have no doubt, indeed, that she probed the Doctor’s
wound without knowing it. Meaning nothing but a certain
matured frivolity and selfishness, not always inseparable
from full-blown years, I think she confirmed him in his fear
David Copperfield
