Charles Dickens was a famous English novelist of the late nineteenth century. he created a character called Mr Micawber. Mr Micawber got into a lot of trouble because he spent more than he earned and had to go to prison because of it. But he realized his problem and gave people this piece of advice: 'Annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 19 pounds 19 shillings and 6 pence, result happiness; annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 20 pounds 0 shillinds and 6 pence, result misery'. This of course means that you mustn't spend more than you earn.
Arthur did not follow this advice. He had to see the bank manager because there was not only no money in his account but he was also overdrawn. There was less than nothing in it. Arthur did not have to go to prison, of course, but all the same the manager was not very pleased. He let Arthur have another fifty pounds, but Arthur had to promise to keep his account in credit in future.
So the following weekend Arthur had to stay at home. If you stay at home you don't have to spend any money. He spent the whole time in the company of Mrs harrison and Mr Smithers. He also stayed in on Monday evening but on Tuesday he went to the party. Mrs Harrison pressed his only suit for him. 'You'll have to buy another one soon,' she said. 'I'll have to have some money first,' replied Arthur.
At the party everybody seemed very cheerful. Mary was wearing her new dress and she looked very beautiful. But she was with Bruce and, as you know, Arthur didn't like Bruce.
***
- Hallo, Arthur. How's the car.
- Well, I've had to buy five new tyres, a new battery ans a new exhaust. Yes, it still goes - just. And I haven't had to replace the engine - yet.
- You got a bargain there - ha-ha.
- This is a very nice party, isn't it?
- Yes, I suppose so.
- You mustn't look so sad, Arthur. What's the matter? Anyway I'm so glad you asked Mary to invite me.
- That's all right. I'm glad you're here.
- Get Sheila a drink, Arthur. Her glass is empty.
- Yes, of course. There's still some of that punch left.
- Look, here comes Mrs Steele. We'll have to say hello to her. Good evening, Mrs Steele. Are you enjoying yourself?
- Yes, thank you, Miss stephens. It is Miss Stephens, isn't it? have you seen my husband?
- Yes, he's just coming in now.
- Good evening everybody. Now you won't have to listen to a lond speech from me but I must tell you a couple of things. First of all, I want to thank you all for your hard work and co-operation over the past year and I don't have to say how pleased I am that our library has now completed 75 very successful years. now there are one or two pieces of information for you. First we are going to have a new and bigger building sometime later this year. We shall then have better conditions to work in and more staff. Secondly it's my pleasant duty to tell you something about Miss Stephens, Miss Mary Stephens. She has just announced her engagement to Mr Bruce Fanshaw. We all hope they will be very happy together.
- I don't know that, did you, Arthur?
- No, I didn't.
- Mary, what a lovely surprise!
- Raise your glasses, please, and drink to the happy couple.
- Mary and Bruce.
- Why did she have to get engaged to him?
