“Raymond is a witness what ginger and sal volatile I am obliged to take in the night. Raymond is a witness what nervous jerkings I have in my legs. Chokings and nervous jerkings, however, are nothing new to me when I think with anxiety of those I love. If I could be less affectionate and sensitive, I should have a better digestion and an iron set of nerves. I am sure I wish it could be so. But as to not thinking of you in the night – The idea!” Here, a burst of tears.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 11. Mrs. Camilla puts on a comically exaggerated pretense of concern for the wealthy Miss Havisham’s health. She claims to be so sick with anxiety that she suffers jerkings and choking during the night. After Camilla’s absurd speech to the lady of the house Pip says, “Here, a burst of tears,” as if issuing stage directions. Dickens is satirizing the behavior of Miss Havisham’s relatives, who are motivated by greed rather than concern for her well-being.