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Charles Dickens: David CopperfieldCHAPTER 16. I AM A NEW BOY IN MORE SENSES THAN ONE (continued)'I could wish it done as soon as it can be done, Wickfield,' said Doctor Strong, 'for Jack Maldon is needy, and idle; and of those two bad things, worse things sometimes come. What does Doctor Watts say,' he added, looking at me, and moving his head to the time of his quotation, '"Satan finds some mischief still, for idle hands to do."' 'Egad, Doctor,' returned Mr. Wickfield, 'if Doctor Watts knew mankind, he might have written, with as much truth, "Satan finds some mischief still, for busy hands to do." The busy people achieve their full share of mischief in the world, you may rely upon it. What have the people been about, who have been the busiest in getting money, and in getting power, this century or two? No mischief?' 'Jack Maldon will never be very busy in getting either, I expect,' said Doctor Strong, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'Perhaps not,' said Mr. Wickfield; 'and you bring me back to the question, with an apology for digressing. No, I have not been able to dispose of Mr. Jack Maldon yet. I believe,' he said this with some hesitation, 'I penetrate your motive, and it makes the thing more difficult.' 'My motive,' returned Doctor Strong, 'is to make some suitable provision for a cousin, and an old playfellow, of Annie's.' 'Yes, I know,' said Mr. Wickfield; 'at home or abroad.' 'Aye!' replied the Doctor, apparently wondering why he emphasized those words so much. 'At home or abroad.' 'Your own expression, you know,' said Mr. Wickfield. 'Or abroad.' 'Surely,' the Doctor answered. 'Surely. One or other.' 'One or other? Have you no choice?' asked Mr. Wickfield. 'No,' returned the Doctor. 'No?' with astonishment. 'Not the least.' This is page 264 of 1019. [Mark this Page] Mark any page to add this title to Your Bookshelf. (0 / 10 books on shelf) Buy a copy of David Copperfield at Amazon.com
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