“ ‘For England, home, and beauty.

“ ‘Remaining always, etc. etc. , Wilkins Micawber .’ ”

Much affected, but still intensely enjoying himself, Mr. Micawber folded up his letter, and handed it with a bow to my aunt, as something she might like to keep.

There was, as I had noticed on my first visit long ago, an iron safe in the room. The key was in it. A hasty suspicion seemed to strike Uriah; and, with a glance at Mr. Micawber, he went to it, and threw the doors clanking open. It was empty.

“Where are the books?” he cried, with a frightful face. “Some thief has stolen the books!”