David Copperfield

CHAPTER 45

Mr. Dick fulfils my

aunt’s Predictions

I

t was some time now, since I had left the Doctor. Living in

his 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