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for something to turn up -’
‘Could be? Can be and shall be, on your own terms,’ re-
turned my aunt, ‘if you say the word. Think of this now,
both of you. Here are some people David knows, going out
to Australia shortly. If you decide to go, why shouldn’t you
go in the same ship? You may help each other. Think of this
now, Mr. and Mrs. Micawber. Take your time, and weigh
it well.’
‘There is but one question, my dear ma’am, I could wish
to ask,’ said Mrs. Micawber. ‘The climate, I believe, is
healthy?’
‘Finest in the world!’ said my aunt.
‘Just so,’ returned Mrs. Micawber. ‘Then my question
arises. Now, are the circumstances of the country such, that
a man of Mr. Micawber’s abilities would have a fair chance
of rising in the social scale? I will not say, at present, might
he aspire to be Governor, or anything of that sort; but
would there be a reasonable opening for his talents to de-
velop themselves - that would be amply sufficient - and find
their own expansion?’
‘No better opening anywhere,’ said my aunt, ‘for a man
who conducts himself well, and is industrious.’
‘For a man who conducts himself well,’ repeated Mrs.
Micawber, with her clearest business manner, ‘and is in-
dustrious. Precisely. It is evident to me that Australia is the
legitimate sphere of action for Mr. Micawber!’
‘I entertain the conviction, my dear madam,’ said Mr.
Micawber, ‘that it is, under existing circumstances, the land,
the only land, for myself and family; and that something