P

Paragon, Mary Anne (DS) David and Dora Copperfield’s first servant, who was ‘a woman in the prime of life; of a severe countenance; and subject (particularly in the arms) to a sort of perpetual measles or fiery rash’. She used to get drunk and she stole the teaspoons (as David subsequently discovered). When her cousin in the Life Guards deserted, hid in the coal-hole and was arrested, David got rid of her. (44)

Pardiggle, Mrs, and family (BH) Mrs Pardiggle was one of Mrs Jellyby’s associates in working for good causes and raising money for them. ‘She was a formidable style of lady, with spectacles, a prominent nose, and a loud voice, who had the effect of wanting a great deal of room.’ Of her five young sons, four (Egbert, Oswald, Francis and Felix) were compelled to give money to good causes, and the fifth (Alfred) ‘has voluntarily enrolled himself in the Infant Bonds of Joy, and is pledged never, through life, to use tobacco in any form’. Not surprisingly, they were dissatisfied children, who were ‘absolutely ferocious with discontent’. They are their mother’s companions in her duties: ‘I am a School lady, I am a Visiting lady, I am a Reading lady, I am a Distributing lady; I am on the local Linen Box Committee, and many general Committees; and my canvassing alone is very extensive – perhaps no one’s more so.’ Her husband is O.A. Pardiggle, F.R.S. Like Mrs Jellyby, Mrs Pardiggle could have been modelled on Mrs Caroline Chisholm. (8, 15, 30)

Parker (RP) A policeman, ‘strapped and great-coated, and waiting in dim Borough doorway by appointment’ for Inspector Field. (‘On Duty with Inspector Field’)

Parker, Mrs Johnson (SB) She was ‘the

mother of seven extremely fine girls – all unmarried’. She organised a ‘ladies’ bible and prayer-book distribution society’. (‘Our Parish: The Ladies’ Societies’)

Parkes, Phil (BR) An Epping Forest ranger, who is one of the regular customers at the Maypole. (1, 11, 30, 33, 54, 56, 82).