David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Chapter 37 Page 16

‘My soul, not at all!’ said I, cheerfully. ‘If you will sometimes think of that, and look about now and then at your papa’s housekeeping, and endeavour to acquire a little habit — of accounts, for instance — ’

Poor little Dora received this suggestion with something that was half a sob and half a scream.

‘ — It would be so useful to us afterwards,’ I went on. ‘And if you would promise me to read a little — a little Cookery Book that I would send you, it would be so excellent for both of us. For our path in life, my Dora,’ said I, warming with the subject, ‘is stony and rugged now, and it rests with us to smooth it. We must fight our way onward. We must be brave. There are obstacles to be met, and we must meet, and crush them!’