Wilkins Micawber

mi-kaw'ber, a character in Dickens' David Copperfield. In the long list of Dickens' characters there is none more celebrated than the impecunious, improvident, but kind-hearted Mr. Micawber. He is fond of making speeches, of writing elaborate letters, and is always in high spirits over some great scheme which is to enrich both himself and friends, or plunged into despair by the collapse of some such bubble. The position and social standing of his wife's family is a never failing source of pride and hope, and, when his debtors become too urgent, he invariably offers to settle by giving his "note of hand." Finally, through the efforts of David, to whom he was invariably kind, Mr. Micawber emigrates to Australia. Emotional Mrs. Micawber, who, through all their troubles, has declared persistently that she "will never desert Mr. Micawber," and their large family accompany him. In their new home something actually "turns up." Micawber pays his debts and becomes prosperous and happy.

Who does not venerate the chief of that illustrious family, who, being stricken by misfortune, wisely and greatly turned his attention to "coals," the accomplished, the Epicurean, the dirty, the delightful Micawber.--Thackeray.