'Exactly,' returned Mrs. Micawber. 'That he may be ready—in case of anything turning up.'
'And do you go too, ma'am?'
The events of the day, in combination with the twins, if not with the flip, had made Mrs. Micawber hysterical, and she shed tears as she replied:
'I never will desert Mr. Micawber. Mr. Micawber may have concealed his difficulties from me in the first instance, but his sanguine temper may have led him to expect that he would overcome them. The pearl necklace and bracelets which I inherited from mama,have been disposed of for less than half their value; and the set of coral, which was the wedding gift of my papa, has been actually thrown away for nothing.But I never will desert Mr. Micawber. No!' cried Mrs.Micawber, more affected than before, 'I never will do it! It's of no use asking me!'