Dickens and his Parents

Mr. [John] Dickens was a kind-hearted man, but fearfully irascible…. The resemblance between old Mr. D. and Mr. Micawber was very slight. It consisted only in one or two peculiar traits, exaggerated in the description, and in the use of a pet phrase to the effect ‘that something was sure to turn up’…. The day previous to his death … he was taken seriously ill whilst at dinner, … and I sent off immediately for Charles. He came as soon as possible…. The old gentleman expired about five o’clock in the morning, with little or no pain. Charles Dickens had been with him for hours, standing or sitting by the bedside, and holding his hand. He was much affected, and behaved throughout with great tenderness.