“ Mr. Micawber,” said I, “what is the matter? Pray speak out. You are among friends.”

“Among friends, sir!” repeated Mr. Micawber; and all he had reserved came breaking out of him. “Good heavens, it is principally because I am among friends that my state of mind is what it is. What is the matter, gentlemen? What is not the matter? Villainy is the matter; baseness is the matter; deception, fraud, conspiracy, are the matter; and the name of the whole atrocious mass is⁠— Heep !”

My aunt clapped her hands, and we all started up as if we were possessed.