He read this passage as if it were from an Act of Parliament; and appeared majestically refreshed by the sound of the words.

‘“My charges against — HEEP,”’ he read on, glancing at him, and drawing the ruler into a convenient position under his left arm, in case of need, ‘“are as follows.”’

We all held our breath, I think.

I am sure Uriah held his.

‘“First,”’ said Mr. Micawber, ‘“When Mr. W.‘s faculties and memory for business became, through causes into which it is not necessary or expedient for me to enter, weakened and confused, — HEEP — designedly perplexed and complicated the whole of the official transactions. When Mr. W. was least fit to enter on business, —