My Aunt astonishes me.
“My dear aunt!” cried I. “Why, what an unexpected pleasure!”
We cordially embraced; and Mr. Dick and I cordially shook hands; and Mrs. Crupp, who was busy making tea, and could not be too attentive,
cordially said she had knowed well as Mr. Copperfull would have his heart in his mouth, when he see his dear relations.
“Halloa!” said my aunt to Peggotty, who quailed before her awful presence. “How are you?”
“You remember my aunt, Peggotty?” said I.
“For the love of goodness, child,” exclaimed my aunt, “don’t call the woman by that South Sea Island name! If she married and got rid of it, which was the best thing she could do, why don’t you give her the benefit of the change? What’s your name now,—P?” said my aunt, as a compromise for the obnoxious appellation.
“Barkis, ma’am,” said Peggotty, with a curtsey.
“Well! that’s human,” said my aunt. “It sounds less as if you wanted a Missionary. How d’ ye do, Barkis? I hope you’re well?”
Encouraged by these gracious words, and by my aunt’s extending her hand, Barkis came forward, and took the hand, and curtseyed her acknowledgments.