David CopperfieldAccordingly, when Mr. Peggotty came home about nine
o’clock, this unfortunate Mrs. Gummidge was knitting in
her corner, in a very wretched and miserable condition. Peg-
gotty had been working cheerfully. Ham had been patching
up a great pair of waterboots; and I, with little Em’ly by my
side, had been reading to them. Mrs. Gummidge had never
made any other remark than a forlorn sigh, and had never
raised her eyes since tea.
‘Well, Mates,’ said Mr. Peggotty, taking his seat, ‘and how
are you?’
We all said something, or looked something, to welcome
him, except Mrs. Gummidge, who only shook her head over
her knitting.
‘What’s amiss?’ said Mr. Peggotty, with a clap of his hands.
‘Cheer up, old Mawther!’ (Mr. Peggotty meant old girl.)
Mrs. Gummidge did not appear to be able to cheer up.
She took out an old black silk handkerchief and wiped her
eyes; but instead of putting it in her pocket, kept it out, and
wiped them again, and still kept it out, ready for use.
‘What’s amiss, dame?’ said Mr. Peggotty.
‘Nothing,’ returned Mrs. Gummidge. ‘You’ve come from
The Willing Mind, Dan’l?’
‘Why yes, I’ve took a short spell at The Willing Mind to-
night,’ said Mr. Peggotty.
‘I’m sorry I should drive you there,’ said Mrs. Gum-
midge.
‘Drive! I don’t want no driving,’ returned Mr. Peggotty
with an honest laugh. ‘I only go too ready.’
‘Very ready,’ said Mrs. Gummidge, shaking her head, and