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CHAPTER 28

Mr. MICAWBER’S

GAUNTLET

U

ntil the day arrived on which I was to entertain my

newly-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