Samrefreshedhimselfwithakiss，andreadasfollows：
MarkisGranBydorkenWensdy。
MydearSammle，IamwerysorrytohavethepleasureofbeinaBearofillnewsyourMotherinlawcortcoldconsekensofimprudentlysettintoolongonthedampgrassintherainahearinofashepherdwhowarntabletoleaveofftilllateatnightowentohishavinvoundhis-selfupvithbrandyandvaterandnotbeingabletostophisselftillhegotalittlesoberwhichtookamanyhourstodothedoctorsaysthatifshe’dsvallo’dvarmbrandyandvaterartervardsinstedofaforeshemightn’thavebeennovusherveelswosimmedetlygreasedandeverythinkdonetosetheragoinascouldbeinwentedyourfartherhadhopesasshevouldhavevorkedroundasusualbutjustasshewosaturnenthecornermyboyshetookthewrongroadandventdownhillvithawelocityyouneverseeandnotvithstandingthatthedragwosputondrectlybythemedikelmanitworntofnouseatallforshepaidthelastpikeattwentyminutesaforesixo’clockyesterdayeveninhavindonethejouneywerymuchunderthereglartimevichprapswaspartlyowentoherhavetakeninwerylittleluggagebythevayyourfathersaysthatifyouvillcomeandseemeSammyhevilltakeitasawerygreatfavorforIamwerylonelySamivelnbhevillhaveitspeltthatvayvichIsayantrightandasthereissichamanythingstosettleheissureyourguvnerwontobjectofcoursehevillnotSammyforIknowshimbettersohesendshisdootyinwhichIjoinandamSamivelinfernallyyoursTONYVELLER。
Wotaincomprehensibleletter，saidSam。who’stoknowwotitmeans，vithallthishe-ingandI-ing！Itain’tmyfather’swritin’，’ceptthisheresignaterinprintletters。that’shis。
Perhapshegotsomebodytowriteitforhim，andsignedithimselfafterwards，saidtheprettyhousemaid。
Stopaminit，repliedSam，runningovertheletteragain，andpausinghereandthere，toreflect，ashedidso。You’vehitit。Thegen’l’m’naswroteitwosatellin’allaboutthemisfortun’inapropervay，andthenmyfathercomesalookin’overhim，andcomplicatesthewholeconcernbyputtin’hisoarin。That’sjustthewerysorto’thinghe’ddo。You’reright，Mary，mydear。
Havingsatisfiedhimselfonthispoint，Samreadtheletterallover，oncemore，and，appearingtoformaclearnotionofitscontentsforthefirsttime，ejaculatedthoughtfully，ashefoldeditup：
Andsothepoorcreatur’sdead！I’msorryforit。Shewarn’tabad-disposed’ooman，ifthemshepherdshadletheralone。I’mwerysorryforit。
Mr。Wellerutteredthesewordsinsoseriousamanner，thattheprettyhousemaidcastdownhereyesandlookedverygrave。
Hows’ever，saidSam，puttingtheletterinhispocketwithagentlesigh，itwostobe——andwos，astheoldladysaidartershe’dmarriedthefootman。Can’tbehelpednow，canit，Mary？
Maryshookherhead，andsighedtoo。
Imustapplytothehemperorforleaveofabsence，saidSam。
Marysighedagain。Theletterwassoveryaffecting。
Goodbye！saidSam。
Goodbye，rejoinedtheprettyhousemaid，turningherheadaway。
Well，shakehands，won’tyou？saidSam。
Theprettyhousemaidputoutahandwhich，althoughitwasahousemaid’s，wasaverysmallone，androsetogo。
Ishan’tbewerylongavay，saidSam。
You’realwaysaway，saidMary，givingherheadtheslightestpossibletossintheair。Younosoonercome，Mr。Weller，thanyougoagain。
Mr。Wellerdrewthehouseholdbeautyclosertohim，andentereduponawhisperingconversation，whichhadnotproceededfar，whensheturnedherfaceroundandcondescendedtolookathimagain。Whentheyparted，itwassomehoworotherindispensablynecessaryforhertogotoherroom，andarrangethecapandcurlsbeforeshecouldthinkofpresentingherselftothemistress。whichpreparatoryceremonyshewentofftoperform，bestowingmanynodsandsmilesonSamoverthebanistersasshetrippedup-stairs。
Ishan’tbeavaymorethanaday，ortwo，sir，atthefarthest，saidSam，whenhehadcommunicatedtoMr。Pickwicktheintelligenceofhisfather’sloss。
Aslongasmaybenecessary，Sam，repliedMr。Pickwick，youhavemyfullpermissiontoremain。
Sambowed。
Youwilltellyourfather，Sam，thatifIcanbeofanyassistancetohiminhispresentsituation，Ishallbemostwillingandreadytolendhimanyaidinmypower，saidMr。Pickwick。
Thank’ee，sir，rejoinedSam。I’llmentionit，sir。
Andwithsomeexpressionsofmutualgood-willandinterest，masterandmanseparated。
Itwasjustseveno’clockwhenSamuelWeller，alightingfromtheboxofastage-coachwhichpassedthroughDorking，stoodwithinafewhundredyardsoftheMarquisofGranby。Itwasacolddullevening。thelittlestreetlookeddrearyanddismal。andthemahoganycountenanceofthenobleandgallantMarquisseemedtowearamoresadandmelancholyexpressionthanitwaswonttodo，asitswungtoandfro，creakingmournfullyinthewind。Theblindswerepulleddown，andtheshutterspartlyclosed。
oftheknotofloungersthatusuallycollectedaboutthedoor，notonewastobeseen。theplacewassilentanddesolate。
Seeingnobodyofwhomhecouldaskanypreliminaryquestions，Samwalkedsoftlyin。Glancinground，hequicklyrecognisedhisparentinthedistance。
Thewidowerwasseatedatasmallroundtableinthelittleroombehindthebar，smokingapipe，withhiseyesintentlyfixeduponthefire。Thefuneralhadevidentlytakenplacethatday。forattachedtohishat，whichhestillretainedonhishead，wasahatbandmeasuringaboutayardandahalfinlength，whichhungoverthetoprailofthechairandstreamednegligentlydown。Mr。Wellerwasinaveryabstractedandcontemplativemood。NotwithstandingthatSamcalledhimbynameseveraltimes，hestillcontinuedtosmokewiththesamefixedandquietcountenance，andwasonlyrousedultimatelybyhisson’splacingthepalmofhishandonhisshoulder。
Sammy，saidMr。Weller，you’rewelcome。
I’vebeenacallin’toyouhalfadozentimes，saidSam，hanginghishatonapeg，butyoudidn’thearme，
No，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller，againlookingthoughtfullyatthefire。
Iwosinareferee，Sammy。
Wotabout？inquiredSam，drawinghischairuptothefire。
Inareferee，Sammy，repliedtheelderMr。Weller，regardingher，Samivel。HereMr。WellerjerkedhisheadinthedirectionofDorkingchurchyard，inmuteexplanationthathiswordsreferredtothelateMrs。Weller。
Iwosathinkin’，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，eyeinghisson，withgreatearnestness，overhispipe。asiftoassurehimthathoweverextraordinaryandincrediblethedeclarationmightappear，itwasneverthelesscalmlyanddeliberatelyuttered。Iwosathinkin’，Sammy，thatuponthewholeIwoswerysorryshewosgone。
Vell，andsoyououghttobe，repliedSam。
Mr。Wellernoddedhisacquiescenceinthesentiment，andagainfasteninghiseyesonthefire，shroudedhimselfinacloud，andmuseddeeply。
Thosewoswerysensibleobservationsasshemade，Sammy，saidMr。
Weller，drivingthesmokeawaywithhishand，afteralongsilence。
Wotobservations？inquiredSam。
Themasshemade，artershewastookill，repliedtheoldgentleman。
Wotwasthey？
Somethin’tothishereeffect。`Veller，’shesays，`I’mafeardI’venotdonebyyouquitewotIoughttohavedone。you’reawerykind-heartedman，andImightha’madeyourhomemorecomfortabler。Ibegintoseenow，’
shesays，`venit’stoolate，thatifamarried’oomanvishestobereligious，sheshouldbeginvithdischargin’herdootiesathome，andmakin’themasisabouthercheerfulandhappy，andthatvileshegoestochurch，orchapel，orwotnot，atallpropertimes，sheshouldbewerycarefulnottocon-wertthissorto’thingintoaexcuseforidlenessorself-indulgence。
Ihavedonethis，’shesays，`andI’vevastedtimeandsubstanceonthemashasdoneitmorethanme。butIhopevenI’mgone，Veller，thatyou’llthinkonmeasIwosaforeIknow’dthempeople，andasIralywosbynatur’。’`Susan，’saysI，——Iwostookupweryshortbythis，Samivel。
Ivon’tdenyit，myboy——`Susan，’Isays，`you’vebeenawerygoodvifetome，altogether。don’tsaynothin’atallaboutit。keepagoodheart，mydear。andyou’lllivetoseemepunchthat’ereStiggins’sheadyet。’
Shesmiledatthis，Samivel，saidtheoldgentleman，stiflingasighwithhispipe，butshediedarterall！
Vell，saidSam，venturingtoofferalittlehomelyconsolation，afterthelapseofthreeorfourminutes，consumedbytheoldgentlemaninslowlyshakinghisheadfromsidetoside，andsolemnlysmoking。vell，gov’ner，vemustallcometoit，onedayoranother。
Sowemust，Sammy，saidMr。Wellertheelder。
There’saProvidenceinitall，saidSam。
O’coursethereis，repliedhisfatherwithanodofgraveapproval。
Wot’udbecomeoftheundertakersvithoutit，Sammy？
Lostintheimmensefieldofconjectureopenedbythisreflection，theelderMr。Wellerlaidhispipeonthetable，andstirredthefirewithameditativevisage。
Whiletheoldgentlemanwasthusengaged，averybuxom-lookingcook，dressedinmourning，whohadbeenbustlingabout，inthebar，glidedintotheroom，andbestowingmanysmirksofrecognitionuponSam，silentlystationedherselfatthebackofhisfather’schair，andannouncedherpresencebyaslightcough：thewhich，beingdisregarded，wasfollowedbyalouderone。
Hallo！saidtheelderMr。Weller，droppingthepokerashelookedround，andhastilydrewhischairaway。Wot’sthematternow？
Haveacupoftea，there’sagoodsoul，repliedthebuxomfemale，coaxingly。
Ivon’t，repliedMr。Weller，inasomewhatboisterousmanner，I’llseeyou——Mr。Wellerhastilycheckedhimself，andaddedinalowtone，furderfust。
Oh，dear，dear！Howadversitydoeschangepeople！saidthelady，lookingupwards。
It’stheonlythink’twixtthisandthedoctorasshallchangemycondition，mutteredMr。Weller。
Ireallyneversawamansocross，saidthebuxomfemale。
Nevermind。It’sallformyowngood。vichisthereflectionvithwichthepenitentschoolboycomfortedhisfellin’sventheyfloggedhim，rejoinedtheoldgentleman。
Thebuxomfemaleshookherheadwithacompassionateandsympathisingair。and，appealingtoSam，inquiredwhetherhisfatherreallyoughtnottomakeanefforttokeepup，andnotgivewaytothatlownessofspirits。
Yousee，Mr。Samuel，saidthebuxomfemale，asIwastellinghimyesterday，hewillfeellonely，hecan’texpectbutwhatheshould，sir，butheshouldkeepupagoodheart，because，dearme，I’msureweallpityhisloss，andarereadytodoanythingforhim。andthere’snosituationinlifesobad，Mr。Samuel，thatitcan’tbemended。Whichiswhataveryworthypersonsaidtomewhenmyhusbanddied。Herethespeaker，puttingherhandbeforehermouth，coughedagain，andlookedaffectionatelyattheelderMr。Weller。
AsIdon’trekvireanyo’yourconversationjustnow，mum，villyouhavethegoodnesstore-tire？inquiredMr。Wellerinagraveandsteadyvoice。
Well，Mr。Weller，saidthebuxomfemale，I’msureIonlyspoketoyououtofkindness。
Werylikely，mum，repliedMr。Weller。Samivel，showtheladyout，andshutthedoorarterher。
Thishintwasnotlostuponthebuxomfemale。forsheatoncelefttheroom，andslammedthedoorbehindher，uponwhichMr。Weller，senior，fallingbackinhischairinaviolentperspiration，said：
Sammy，ifIwostostopherealonevunveek——onlyvunveek，myboy——that’ere’ooman’udmarrymebyforceandwiolenceaforeitwasover。
Wot！Isshesoweryfondonyou？inquiredSam。
Fond！repliedhisfather，Ican’tkeepheravayfromme。IfIwoslockedupinafire-proofchestvithapatentBrahmin，she’dfindmeanstogetatme，Sammy。
Wotathingitis，tobesosoughtarter！observedSam，smiling。
Idon’ttakenoprideoutonit，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller，pokingthefirevehemently，it’sahorridsitiwation。I’mactiwallydroveouto’houseandhomebyit。Thebreathwosscarcelyouto’yourpoormother-in-law’sbody，venvunold’oomansendsmeapoto’jam，andanotherapoto’jelly，andanotherbrewsablessedlargejugo’camomile-tea，vichshebringsinvithherownhands。Mr。Wellerpausedwithanaspectofintensedisgust，and，lookinground，addedinawhisper：Theywosallwidders，Sammy，allon’em，’ceptthecamomile-teavun，aswosasingleyoungladyo’fifty-three。
Samgaveacomicallookinreply，andtheoldgentlemanhavingbrokenanobstinatelumpofcoal，withacountenanceexpressiveofasmuchearnestnessandmaliceasifithadbeentheheadofoneofthewidowslast-mentioned，said：
Inshort，Sammy，IfeelthatIain’tsafeanyveresbutonthebox。
Howareyousafertherethananyvereselse？interruptedSam。
’Cosacoachman’saprivilegedindiwidual，repliedMr。Weller，lookingfixedlyathisson。’Cosacoachmanmaydovithoutsuspicionwotothermenmaynot。’cosacoachmanmaybeontheweryamicablesttermswitheightymileo’females，andyetnobodythinkthatheevermeanstomarryanyvunamong’em。Andwotothermancansaythesame，Sammy？
Vell，there’ssomethin’inthat，saidSam。
Ifyourgov’nerhadbeenacoachman，reasonedMr。Weller，doyous’poseasthat’erejury’udeverha’conwictedhim，s’posin’itpossibleasthemattercouldha’gonetothatextremity？Theydustn’tha’doneit。
Wynot？saidSam，ratherdisparagingly。
Wynot！rejoinedMr。Weller。’cosit’udha’goneagintheirconsciences。
Areg’larcoachman’sasorto’connectin’linkbetwixtsinglenessandmatrimony，andeverypracticablemanknowsit。
Wot！Youmean，they’regen’ralfav’rites，andnobodytakesadwantageon’em，p’raps？saidSam。
Hisfathernodded。
Howitevercometothat’erepass，resumedtheparentWeller，I
can’tsay。Wyitisthatlong-stagecoachmenpossesssuchinsiniwations，andisalvayslookedupto——adoredImaysay——byev’ryyoung’oomaninev’rytownhevurksthrough，Idon’tknow。Ionlyknowthatsoitis。It’sareg’lationofnatur——adispensary，asyourpoormother-in-lawusedtosay。
Adispensation，saidSam，correctingtheoldgentleman。
Werygood，Samivel，adispensation，ifyoulikeitbetter，returnedMr。Weller。Icallitadispensary，andit’salvayswritupso，attheplacesveretheygivesyouphysicfornothin’inyourownbottles。
that’sall。
Withthesewords，Mr。Wellerre-filledandre-lightedhispipe，andoncemoresummoningupameditativeexpressionofcountenance，continuedasfollows：
Therefore，myboy，asIdonotseetheadwisabilityo’stoppin’heretobemarridvetherIvanttoornot，andasatthesametimeIdonotvishtoseparatemyselffromtheminterestin’memberso’societyaltogether，Ihavecometothedeterminationo’drivin’theSafety，andputtin’upvuncemoreattheBellSavage，vichismynat’ral-bornelement，Sammy。
Andwot’stobecomeo’thebis’ness？inquiredSam。
Thebis’ness，Samivel，repliedtheoldgentleman，goodvill，stock，andfixters，villbesoldbyprivatecontract。andouto’themoney，twohundredpound，agreeabletoarekvesto’yourmother-in-law’stomealittleaforeshedied，villbeinwestedinyournamein——wotdoyoucallthemthingsagin？
Wotthings？inquiredSam。
Themthingsasisalwaysagoin’upanddown，intheCity。
Omnibuses？suggestedSam。
Nonsense，repliedMr。Weller。Themthingsasisalvaysafluctooatin’，andgettin’theirselvesinwolvedsomehoworanotherviththenationaldebt，andthechecquersbills，andallthat。
Oh！thefunds，saidSam。
Ah！rejoinedMr。Weller，thefuns。twohundredpoundso’themoneyistobeinwestedforyou，Samivel，inthefuns。fourandahalfpercent。
reducedcounsels，Sammy。
Werykindo’theoldladytothinko’me，saidSam，andI’mwerymuchobligedtoher。
Therestvillbeinwestedinmyname，continuedtheelderMr。Weller。
andvenI’mtookofftheroad，it’llcometoyou，sotakecareyoudon’tspenditallatvunst，myboy，andmindthatnowiddergetsainklin’o’
yourfortun’，oryou’redone。
Havingdeliveredthiswarning，Mr。Wellerresumedhispipewithamoreserenecountenance。thedisclosureofthesemattersappearingtohaveeasedhismindconsiderably。
Somebody’satappin’atthedoor，saidSam。
Let’emtap，repliedhisfather，withdignity。
Samacteduponthedirection。Therewasanothertap，andanother，andthenalongrowoftaps。uponwhichSaminquiredwhythetapperwasnotadmitted。
Hush，whisperedMr。Weller，withapprehensivelooks，don’ttakenonoticeon’em，Sammy，it’svuno’thewidders，p’raps。
Nonoticebeingtakenofthetaps，theunseenvisitor，afterashortlapse，venturedtoopenthedoorandpeepin。Itwasnofemaleheadthatwasthrustinatthepartiallyopeneddoor，butthelongblacklocksandredfaceofMr。Stiggins。Mr。Weller’spipefellfromhishands。
Thereverendgentlemangraduallyopenedthedoorbyalmostimperceptibledegrees，untiltheaperturewasjustwideenoughtoadmitofthepassageofhislankbody，whenheglidedintotheroomandcloseditafterhimwithgreatcareandgentleness。TurningtowardsSam，andraisinghishandsandeyesintokenoftheunspeakablesorrowwithwhichheregardedthecalamitythathadbefallenthefamily，hecarriedthehigh-backedchairtohisoldcornerbythefire，and，seatinghimselfontheveryedge，drewforthabrownpocket-handkerchief，andappliedthesametohisoptics。
Whilethiswasgoingforward，theelderMr。Wellersatbackinhischair，withhiseyeswideopen，hishandsplantedonhisknees，andhiswholecountenanceexpressiveofabsorbingandoverwhelmingastonishment。Samsatoppositehiminperfectsilence，waiting，witheagercuriosity，fortheterminationofthescene。
Mr。Stigginskeptthebrownpocket-handkerchiefbeforehiseyesforsomeminutes，moaningdecentlymeanwhile，andthen，masteringhisfeelingsbyastrongeffort，putitinhispocketandbuttoneditup。Afterthis，hestirredthefire。afterthat，herubbedhishandsandlookedatSam。
Oh，myyoungfriend，saidMr。Stiggins，breakingthesilenceinaverylowvoice，here’sasorrowfulaffliction！
Samnodded，veryslightly。
Forthemanofwrath，too！addedMr。Stiggins。itmakesavessel’sheartbleed！
Mr。Wellerwasoverheardbyhissontomurmursomethingrelativetomakingavessel’snosebleed。butMr。Stigginsheardhimnot。
Doyouknow，youngman，whisperedMr。Stiggins，drawinghischairclosertoSam，whethershehasleftEmmanuelanything？
Who’she？inquiredSam。
Thechapel，repliedMr。Stiggins。ourchapel。ourfold，Mr。Samuel。
Shehasn’tleftthefoldnothin’，northeshepherdnothin’，northeanimalsnothin’，saidSam，decisively。northedogsneither。
Mr。StigginslookedslylyatSam。glancedattheoldgentleman，whowassittingwithhiseyesclosed，asifasleep。anddrawinghischairstillnearer，said：
Nothingforme，Mr。Samuel？
Samshookhishead。
Ithinkthere’ssomething，saidStiggins，turningaspaleashecouldturn。Consider，Mr。Samuel。nolittletoken？
Notsomuchasthevortho’that’ereoldumbrellao’yourn，repliedSam。
Perhaps，saidMr。Stiggins，hesitatingly，afterafewmoments’deepthought，perhapssherecommendedmetothecareofthemanofwrath，Mr。
Samuel？
Ithinkthat’swerylikely，fromwhathesaid，rejoinedSam。hewosaspeakin’aboutyou，jistnow。
Washe，though？exclaimedStiggins，brighteningup。Ah！He’schanged，Idaresay。Wemightliveverycomfortablytogethernow，Mr。Samuel，eh？
Icouldtakecareofhispropertywhenyouareaway——goodcare，yousee。
Heavingalong-drawnsigh，Mr。Stigginspausedforaresponse。Samnodded，andMr。Weller，theelder，gaveventtoanextraordinarysound，whichbeingneitheragroan，noragrunt，noragasp，noragrowl，seemedtopartakeinsomedegreeofthecharacterofallfour。
Mr。Stiggins，encouragedbythissound，whichheunderstoodtobetokenremorse，orrepentance，lookedabouthim，rubbedhishands，wept，smiled，weptagain，andthen，walkingsoftlyacrosstheroomtoawell-rememberedshelfinonecorner，tookdownatumbler，andwithgreatdeliberationputfourlumpsofsugarinit。Havinggotthusfar，helookedabouthimagain，andsighedgrievously。withthat，hewalkedsoftlyintothebar，andpresentlyreturningwiththetumblerhalffullofpine-applerum，advancedtothekettlewhichwassinginggailyonthehob，mixedhisgrog，stirredit，sippedit，satdown，andtakingalongandheartypullattherumandwater，stoppedforbreath。
TheelderMr。Weller，whostillcontinuedtomakevariousstrangeanduncouthattemptstoappearasleep，offerednotasinglewordduringtheseproceedings。butwhenStigginsstoppedforbreath，hedarteduponhim，andsnatchingthetumblerfromhishand，threwtheremainderoftherumandwaterinhisface，andtheglassitselfintothegrate。Then，seizingthereverendgentlemanfirmlybythecollar，hesuddenlyfelltokickinghimmostfuriously：accompanyingeveryapplicationofhistop-bootstoMr。Stiggins’sperson，withsundryviolentandincoherentanathemasuponhislimbs，eyes，andbody。
Sammy，saidMr。Weller，putmyhatontightforme。
Samdutifullyadjustedthehatwiththelonghatbandmorefirmlyonhisfather’shead，andtheoldgentleman，resuminghiskickingwithgreateragilitythanbefore，tumbledwithMr。Stigginsthroughthebar，andthroughthepassage，outatthefrontdoor，andsointothestreet。thekickingcontinuingthewholeway，andincreasinginvehemence，ratherthandiminishing，everytimethetop-bootwaslifted。
ItwasabeautifulandexhilaratingsighttoseetherednosedmanwrithinginMr。Weller’sgrasp，andhiswholeframequiveringwithanguishaskickfollowedkickinrapidsuccession。itwasastillmoreexcitingspectacletobeholdMr。Weller，afterapowerfulstruggle，immersingMr。Stiggins’sheadinahorse-troughfullofwater，andholdingitthere，untilhewashalfsuffocated。
There！saidMr。Weller，throwingallhisenergyintoonemostcomplicatedkick，asheatlengthpermittedMr。Stigginstowithdrawhisheadfromthetrough，sendanyvuno’themlazyshepherdshere，andI’llpoundhimtoajellyfirst，anddrowndhimartervards！Sammy，helpmein，andfillmeasmallglassofbrandy。I’mouto’breath，myboy。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter53[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIIICOMPRISINGTHEFINALEXITOFMR。JINGLEANDJOBTROTTER。
WITHAGREATMORNINGOFBUSINESSINGRAY’SINNSQUARE。CONCLUDINGWITH
ADOUBLEKNOCKATMR。PERKER’SDOOR
WHENArabella，aftersomegentlepreparation，andmanyassurancesthattherewasnottheleastoccasionforbeinglow-spirited，wasatlengthmadeacquaintedbyMr。PickwickwiththeunsatisfactoryresultofhisvisittoBirmingham，sheburstintotears，andsobbingaloud，lamentedinmovingtermsthatsheshouldhavebeentheunhappycauseofanyestrangementbetweenafatherandhisson。
Mydeargirl，saidMr。Pickwick，kindly，itisnofaultofyours。
Itwasimpossibletoforeseethattheoldgentlemanwouldbesostronglyprepossessedagainsthisson’smarriage，youknow。Iamsure，addedMr。
Pickwick，glancingatherprettyface，hecanhaveverylittleideaofthepleasurehedenieshimself。
Oh，mydearMr。Pickwick，saidArabella，whatshallwedo，ifhecontinuestobeangrywithus？
Why，waitpatiently，mydear，untilhethinksbetterofit，repliedMr。Pickwick，cheerfully。
But，dearMr。Pickwick，whatistobecomeofNathanielifhisfatherwithdrawshisassistance？urgedArabella。
Inthatcase，mylove，rejoinedMr。Pickwick，Iwillventuretoprophesythathewillfindsomeotherfriendwhowillnotbebackwardinhelpinghimtostartintheworld。
ThesignificanceofthisreplywasnotsowelldisguisedbyMr。PickwickbutthatArabellaunderstoodit。So，throwingherarmsaroundhisneck，andkissinghimaffectionately，shesobbedlouderthanbefore。
Come，come，saidMr。Pickwick，takingherhand，wewillwaithereafewdayslonger，andseewhetherhewritesortakesanyothernoticeofyourhusband’scommunication。Ifnot，Ihavethoughtofhalfadozenplans，anyoneofwhichwouldmakeyouhappyatonce。There，mydear，there！
Withthesewords，Mr。PickwickgentlypressedArabella’shand，andbadeherdryhereyes，andnotdistressherhusband。Uponwhich，Arabella，whowasoneofthebestlittlecreaturesalive，putherhandkerchiefinherreticule，andbythetimeMr。Winklejoinedthem，exhibitedinfulllustrethesamebeamingsmilesandsparklingeyesthathadoriginallycaptivatedhim。
Thisisadistressingpredicamentfortheseyoungpeople，thoughtMr。Pickwick，ashedressedhimselfnextmorning。I’llwalkuptoPerker’s，andconsulthimaboutthematter。
AsMr。PickwickwasfurtherpromptedtobetakehimselftoGray’sInnSquarebyananxiousdesiretocometoapecuniarysettlementwiththekind-heartedlittleattorneywithoutfurtherdelay，hemadeahurriedbreakfast，andexecutedhisintentionsospeedily，thatteno’clockhadnotstruckwhenhereachedGray’sInn。
ItstillwantedtenminutestothehourwhenhehadascendedthestaircaseonwhichPerker’schamberswere。Theclerkshadnotarrivedyet，andhebeguiledthetimebylookingoutofthestaircasewindow。
ThehealthylightofafineOctobermorningmadeeventhedingyoldhousesbrightenupalittle：someofthedustywindowsactuallylookingalmostcheerfulasthesun’sraysgleameduponthem。Clerkafterclerkhastenedintothesquarebyoneorotheroftheentrances，andlookingupattheHallclock，acceleratedordecreasedhisrateofwalkingaccordingtothetimeatwhichhisofficehoursnominallycommenced。thehalf-pastnineo’clockpeoplesuddenlybecomingverybrisk，andtheteno’clockgentlemenfallingintoapaceofmostaristocraticslowness。Theclockstruckten，andclerkspouredinfasterthanever，eachoneinagreaterperspirationthanhispredecessor。Thenoiseofunlockingandopeningdoorsechoedandre-echoedoneveryside。headsappearedasifbymagicineverywindow。
theporterstookuptheirstationsfortheday。theslipshodlaundresseshurriedoff。thepostmanranfromhousetohouse。andthewholelegalhivewasinabustle。
You’reearly，Mr。Pickwick，saidavoicebehindhim。
Ah，Mr。Lowten，repliedthatgentleman，lookinground，andrecognisinghisoldacquaintance。
Preciouswarmwalking，isn’tit？saidLowten，drawingaBramahkeyfromhispocket，withasmallplugtherein，tokeepthedustout。
Youappeartofeelitso，rejoinedMr。Pickwick，smilingattheclerk，whowasliterallyredhot。
I’vecomealongrather，Icantellyou，repliedLowten。ItwentthehalfhourasIcamethroughthePolygon。I’mherebeforehim，though，soIdon’tmind。
Comfortinghimselfwiththisreflection，Mr。Lowtenextractedtheplugfromthedoor-key，andhavingopenedthedoor，repluggedandrepocketedhisBramah，andpickeduptheletterswhichthepostmanhaddroppedthroughthebox。HethenusheredMr。Pickwickintotheoffice。Here，inthetwinklingofaneye，hedivestedhimselfofhiscoat，putonathreadbaregarmentwhichhetookoutofadesk，hunguphishat，pulledforthafewsheetsofcartridgeandblotting-paperinalternatelayers，andstickingapenbehindhisear，rubbedhishandswithanairofgreatsatisfaction。
Thereyousee，Mr。Pickwick，hesaid，nowI’mcomplete。I’vegotmyofficecoaton，andmypadout，andlethimcomeassoonashelikes。
Youhaven’tgotapinchofsnuffaboutyou，haveyou？
No，Ihavenot，repliedMr。Pickwick。
I’msorryforit，saidLowten。Nevermind。I’llrunoutpresently，andgetabottleofsoda。Don’tIlookratherqueerabouttheeyes，Mr。
Pickwick？
Theindividualappealedto，surveyedMr。Lowten’seyesfromadistance，andexpressedhisopinionthatnounusualqueernesswasperceptibleinthosefeatures。
I’mgladofit，saidLowten。WewerekeepingitupprettytolerablyattheStumplastnight，andI’mratheroutofsortsthismorning。Perker’sbeenaboutthatbusinessofyours，bythebye。
Whatbusiness？inquiredMr。Pickwick。Mrs。Bardell’scosts？
No，Idon’tmeanthat，repliedMr。Lowten。Aboutgettingthatcustomerthatwepaidthetenshillingsinthepoundtothebilldiscounterfor，onyouraccount——togethimoutoftheFleet，youknow——aboutgettinghimtoDemerara。
Oh！Mr。Jingle！saidMr。Pickwick，hastily。Yes。Well？
Well，it’sallarranged，saidLowten，mendinghispen。TheagentatLiverpoolsaidhehadbeenobligedtoyoumanytimeswhenyouwereinbusiness，andhewouldbegladtotakehimonyourrecommendation。
That’swell，saidMr。Pickwick。Iamdelightedtohearit。
ButIsay，resumedLowten，scrapingthebackofthepenpreparatorytomakingafreshsplit，whatasoftchapthatotheris！
Whichother？
Why，thatservant，orfriend，orwhateverheis。youknow。Trotter。
Ah？saidMr。Pickwick，withasmile。Ialwaysthoughthimthereverse。
Well，andsodidI，fromwhatlittleIsawofhim，repliedLowten，itonlyshowshowonemaybedeceived。WhatdoyouthinkofhisgoingtoDemerara，too？
What！Andgivingupwhatwasofferedhimhere！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。
TreatingPerker’sofferofeighteenboba-week，andariseifhebehavedhimself，likedirt，repliedLowten。Hesaidhemustgoalongwiththeotherone，andsotheypersuadedPerkertowriteagain，andthey’vegothimsomethingonthesameestate。notnearsogood，Perkersays，asaconvictwouldgetinNewSouthWales，ifheappearedathistrialinanewsuitofclothes。
Foolishfellow，saidMr。Pickwick，withglisteningeyes。Foolishfellow。
Oh，it’sworsethanfoolish。it’sdownrightsneaking，youknow，repliedLowten，nibbingthepenwithacontemptuousface。Hesaysthathe’stheonlyfriendheeverhad，andhe’sattachedtohim，andallthat。Friendship’saverygoodthinginitsway：weareallveryfriendlyandcomfortableattheStump，forinstance，overourgrog，whereeverymanpaysforhimself。
butdamnhurtingyourselfforanybodyelse，youknow！Nomanshouldhavemorethantwoattachments——thefirst，tonumberone，andthesecondtotheladies。that’swhatIsay——ha！ha！Mr。Lowtenconcludedwithaloudlaugh，halfinjocularity，andhalfinderision，whichwasprematurelycutshortbythesoundofPerker’sfootstepsonthestairs：atthefirstapproachofwhich，hevaultedonhisstoolwithanagilitymostremarkable，andwroteintensely。
ThegreetingbetweenMr。Pickwickandhisprofessionaladviserwaswarmandcordial。theclientwasscarcelyensconcedintheattorney’sarmchair，however，whenaknockwasheardatthedoor，andavoiceinquiredwhetherMr。Perkerwaswithin。
Hark！saidPerker，that’soneofourvagabondfriends——Jinglehimself，mydearsir。Willyouseehim？
Whatdoyouthink？inquiredMr。Pickwick，hesitating。
Yes，Ithinkyouhadbetter。Here，yousir，what’syourname，walkin，willyou？
Incompliancewiththisunceremoniousinvitation，JingleandJobwalkedintotheroom，but，seeingMr。Pickwick，stoppedshortinsomeconfusion。
Well，saidPerker，don’tyouknowthatgentleman？
Goodreasonto，repliedMr。Jingle，steppingforward。Mr。Pickwick——deepestobligations——lifepreserver——madeamanofme——youshallneverrepentit，sir。
Iamhappytohearyousayso，saidMr。Pickwick。Youlookmuchbetter。
Thankstoyou，sir——greatchange——Majesty’sFleet——unwholesomeplace——very，
saidJingle，shakinghishead。Hewasdecentlyandcleanlydressed，andsowasJob，whostoodboltuprightbehindhim，staringatMr。Pickwickwithavisageofiron。
WhendotheygotoLiverpool？inquiredMr。Pickwick，halfasidetoPerker。
Thisevening，sir，atseveno’clock，saidJob，takingonestepforward。
Bytheheavycoachfromthecity，sir。
Areyourplacestaken？
Theyare，sir，repliedJob。
Youhavefullymadeupyourmindtogo？
Ihave，sir，answeredJob。
WithregardtosuchanoutfitaswasindispensableforJingle，saidPerker，addressingMr。Pickwickaloud，Ihavetakenuponmyselftomakeanarrangementforthedeductionofasmallsumfromhisquarterlysalary，which，beingmadeonlyforoneyear，andregularlyremitted，willprovideforthatexpense。Ientirelydisapproveofyourdoinganythingforhim，mydearsir，whichisnotdependentonhisownexertionsandgoodconduct。
Certainly，interposedJingle，withgreatfirmness。Clearhead——manoftheworld——quiteright——perfectly。
Bycompoundingwithhiscreditor，releasinghisclothesfromthepawnbroker’s，relievinghiminprison，andpayingforhispassage，continuedPerker，withoutnoticingJingle’sobservation，youhavealreadylostupwardsoffiftypounds。
Notlost，saidJingle，hastily。Payitall——sticktobusiness——cashup——everyfarthing。Yellowfever，perhaps——can’thelpthat——ifnot——HereMr。Jinglepaused，andstrikingthecrownofhishatwithgreatviolence，passedhishandoverhiseyes，andsatdown。
Hemeanstosay，saidJob，advancingafewpaces，thatifheisnotcarriedoffbythefever，hewillpaythemoneybackagain。Ifhelives，hewill，Mr。Pickwick。Iwillseeitdone。Iknowhewill，sir，saidJob，withenergy。Icouldundertaketoswearit。
Well，well，saidMr。Pickwick，whohadbeenbestowingascoreortwooffrownsuponPerker，tostophissummaryofbenefitsconferred，whichthelittleattorneyobstinatelydisregarded，youmustbecarefulnottoplayanymoredesperatecricketmatches，Mr。Jingle，ortorenewyouracquaintancewithSirThomasBlazo，andIhavelittledoubtofyourpreservingyourhealth。
Mr。Jinglesmiledatthissally，butlookedratherfoolishnotwithstanding。
so，Mr。Pickwickchangedthesubjectbysaying——
Youdon’thappentoknow，doyou，whathasbecomeofanotherfriendofyours——amorehumbleone，whomIsawatRochester？
DismalJemmy？inquiredJingle。
Yes。
Jingleshookhishead。
Cleverrascal——queerfellow，hoaxinggenius——Job’sbrother。
Job’sbrother！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。Well，nowIlookathimclosely，thereisalikeness。
Wewerealwaysconsideredlikeeachother，sir，saidJob，withacunninglookjustlurkinginthecornersofhiseyes，onlyIwasreallyofaseriousnature，andheneverwas。HeemigratedtoAmerica，sir，inconsequenceofbeingtoomuchsoughtafterhere，tobecomfortable。andhasneverbeenheardofsince。
Thataccountsformynothavingreceivedthe`pagefromtheromanceofreallife，’whichhepromisedmeonemorningwhenheappearedtobecontemplatingsuicideonRochesterBridge，Isuppose，saidMr。Pickwick，smiling。Ineednotinquirewhetherhisdismalbehaviourwasnaturalorassumed。
Hecouldassumeanything，sir，saidJob。Youmayconsideryourselfveryfortunateinhavingescapedhimsoeasily。Onintimatetermshewouldhavebeenevenamoredangerousacquaintancethan——JoblookedatJingle，hesitated，andfinallyadded，than——than——myselfeven。
Ahopefulfamilyyours，Mr。Trotter，saidPerker，sealingaletterwhichhehadjustfinishedwriting。
Yes，sir，repliedJob。Verymuchso。
Well，saidthelittleman，laughing。Ihopeyouaregoingtodisgraceit。DeliverthislettertotheagentwhenyoureachLiverpool，andletmeadviseyou，gentlemen，nottobetooknowingintheWestIndies。Ifyouthrowawaythischance，youwillbothrichlydeservetobehanged，asIsincerelytrustyouwillbe。AndnowyouhadbetterleaveMr。Pickwickandmealone，forwehaveothermatterstotalkover，andtimeisprecious。
AsPerkersaidthis，helookedtowardsthedoor，withanevidentdesiretorendertheleave-takingasbriefaspossible。
ItwasbriefenoughonMr。Jingle’spart。Hethankedthelittleattorneyinafewhurriedwordsforthekindnessandpromptitudewithwhichhehadrenderedhisassistance，and，turningtohisbenefactor，stoodforafewsecondsasifirresolutewhattosayorhowtoact。JobTrotterrelievedhisperplexity。for，withahumbleandagratefulbowtoMr。Pickwick，hetookhisfriendgentlybythearm，andledhimaway。
Aworthycouple！saidPerker，asthedoorclosedbehindthem。
Ihopetheymaybecomeso，repliedMr。Pickwick。Whatdoyouthink？
Isthereanychangeoftheirpermanentreformation？
Perkershruggedhisshouldersdoubtfully，butobservingMr。Pickwick’sanxiousanddisappointedlook，rejoined：
Ofcoursethereisachance。Ihopeitmayproveagoodone。Theyareunquestionablypenitentnow。butthen，youknow，theyhavetherecollectionofveryrecentsufferingfreshuponthem。Whattheymaybecome，whenthatfadesaway，isaproblemthatneitheryounorIcansolve。However，mydearsir，addedPerker，layinghishandonMr。Pickwick’sshoulder，yourobjectisequallyhonourable，whatevertheresultis。Whetherthatspeciesofbenevolencewhichissoverycautiousandlong-sightedthatitisseldomexercisedatall，lestitsownershouldbeimposedupon，andsowoundedinhisself-love，berealcharityoraworldlycounterfeit，Ileavetowiserheadsthanminetodetermine。Butifthosetwofellowsweretocommitaburglaryto-morrow，myopinionofthisactionwouldbeequallyhigh。
Withtheseremarks，whichweredeliveredinamuchmoreanimatedandearnestmannerthanisusualinlegalgentlemen，Perkerdrewhischairtohisdesk，andlistenedtoMr。Pickwick’srecitalofoldMr。Winkle’sobstinacy。
Givehimaweek，saidPerker，noddinghisheadprophetically。
Doyouthinkhewillcomeround？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Ithinkhewill，rejoinedPerker。Ifnot，wemusttrytheyounglady’spersuasion。andthatiswhatanybodybutyou，wouldhavedoneatfirst。
Mr。Perkerwastakingapinchofsnuffwithvariousgrotesquecontractionsofcountenance，eulogisticofthepersuasivepowersappertaininguntoyoungladies，whenthemurmurofinquiryandanswerwasheardintheouteroffice，andLowtentappedatthedoor。
Comein！criedthelittleman。
Theclerkcamein，andshutthedoorafterhim，withgreatmystery。
What’sthematter？inquiredPerker。
You’rewanted，sir。
Whowantsme？
LowtenlookedatMr。Pickwick，andcoughed。
Whowantsme？Can’tyouspeak，Mr。Lowten？
Why，sir，repliedLowten，it’sDodson。andFoggiswithhim。
Blessmylife！saidthelittleman，lookingathiswatch，Iappointedthemtobehere，athalf-pasteleven，tosettlethatmatterofyours，Pickwick。
Igavethemanundertakingonwhichtheysentdownyourdischarge。it’sveryawkward，mydearsir。whatwillyoudo？Wouldyouliketostepintothenextroom？
ThenextroombeingtheidenticalroominwhichMessrs。DodsonandFoggwere，Mr。Pickwickrepliedthathewouldremainwherehewas：themoreespeciallyasMessrs。DodsonandFoggoughttobeashamedtolookhimintheface，insteadofhisbeingashamedtoseethem。WhichlattercircumstancehebeggedMr。Perkertonote，withaglowingcountenanceandmanymarksofindignation。
Verywell，mydearsir，verywell，repliedPerker，IcanonlysaythatifyouexpecteitherDodsonorFoggtoexhibitanysymptomofshameorconfusionathavingtolookyou，oranybodyelse，intheface，youarethemostsanguinemaninyourexpectationsthatIevermetwith。
Showthemin，Mr。Lowten。
Mr。Lowtendisappearedwithagrin，andimmediatelyreturnedusheringinthefirm，indueformofprecedence：Dodsonfirst，andFoggafterwards。
YouhaveseenMr。Pickwick，Ibelieve？saidPerkertoDodson，inclininghispeninthedirectionwherethatgentlemanwasseated。
Howdoyoudo，Mr。Pickwick？saidDodsoninaloudvoice。
Dearme，criedFogg，howdoyoudo，Mr。Pickwick？Ihopeyouarewell，sir。IthoughtIknewtheface，saidFogg，drawingupachair，andlookingroundhimwithasmile。
Mr。Pickwickbenthisheadveryslightly，inanswertothesesalutations，and，seeingFoggpullabundleofpapersfromhiscoat-pocket，roseandwalkedtothewindow。
There’snooccasionforMr。Pickwicktomove，Mr。Perker，saidFogg，untyingtheredtapewhichencircledthelittlebundle，andsmilingagainmoresweetlythanbefore。Mr。Pickwickisprettywellacquaintedwiththeseproceedings。Therearenosecretsbetweenus，Ithink。He！he！he！
Notmany，Ithink，saidDodson。Ha！ha！ha！Thenboththepartnerslaughedtogether——pleasantlyandcheerfully，asmenwhoaregoingtoreceivemoney，oftendo。
WeshallmakeMr。Pickwickpayforpeeping，saidFogg，withconsiderablenativehumour，asheunfoldedhispapers。Theamountofthetaxedcostsisonehundredandthirtythree，six，four，Mr。Perker。
Therewasagreatcomparingofpapers，andturningoverofleaves，byFoggandPerker，afterthisstatementofprofitandloss。Meanwhile，DodsonsaidinanaffablemannertoMr。Pickwick：
Idon’tthinkyouarelookingquitesostoutaswhenIhadthepleasureofseeingyoulast，Mr。Pickwick。
Possiblynot，sir，repliedMr。Pickwick，whohadbeenflashingforthlooksoffierceindignation，withoutproducingthesmallesteffectoneitherofthesharppractitioners。IbelieveIamnot，sir。IhavebeenpersecutedandannoyedbyScoundrelsoflate，sir。
Perkercoughedviolently，andaskedMr。Pickwickwhetherhewouldn’tliketolookatthemorningpaper？TowhichinquiryMr。Pickwickreturnedamostdecidednegative。
True，saidDodson，IdaresayyouhavebeenannoyedintheFleet。therearesomeoddgentrythere。Whereaboutswereyourapartments，Mr。Pickwick？
Myoneroom，repliedthatmuch-injuredgentleman，wasontheCoffee-Roomflight。
Oh，indeed！saidDodson。Ibelievethatisaverypleasantpartoftheestablishment。
Very，repliedMr。Pickwickdrily。
Therewasacoolnessaboutallthis，which，toagentlemanofanexcitabletemperament，had，underthecircumstances，ratheranexasperatingtendency。
Mr。Pickwickrestrainedhiswrathbygiganticefforts。butwhenPerkerwroteachequeforthewholeamount，andFoggdepositeditinasmallpocket-bookwithatriumphantsmileplayingoverhispimplyfeatureswhichcommunicateditselflikewisetothesterncountenanceofDodson，hefeltthebloodinhischeekstinglingwithindignation。
Now，Mr。Dodson，saidFogg，puttingupthepocket-bookanddrawingonhisgloves，Iamatyourservice。
Verygood，saidDodson，rising，Iamquiteready。
Iamveryhappy，saidFogg，softenedbythecheque，tohavehadthepleasureofmakingMr。Pickwick’sacquaintance。Ihopeyoudon’tthinkquitesoillofus，Mr。Pickwick，aswhenwefirsthadthepleasureofseeingyou。
Ihopenot，saidDodson，withthehightoneofcalumniatedvirtue。
Mr。Pickwicknowknowsusbetter，Itrust：whateveryouropinionofgentlemenofourprofessionmaybe，Ibegtoassureyou，sir，thatIbearnoill-willorvindictivefeelingtowardsyouforthesentimentsyouthoughtpropertoexpressinourofficeinFreeman’sCourt，Cornhill，ontheoccasiontowhichmypartnerhasreferred。
Ohno，no：norI，saidFogg，inamostforgivingmanner。
Ourconduct，sir，saidDodson，willspeakforitself，andjustifyitselfIhope，uponeveryoccasion。Wehavebeenintheprofessionsomeyears，Mr。Pickwick，andhavebeenhonouredwiththeconfidenceofmanyexcellentclients。Iwishyougoodmorning，sir。
Goodmorning，Mr。Pickwick，saidFogg。Sosaying，heputhisumbrellaunderhisarm，drewoffhisrightglove，andextendedthehandofreconciliationtothatmostindignantgentleman：who，thereupon，thrusthishandsbeneathhiscoattails，andeyedtheattorneywithlooksofscornfulamazement。
Lowten！criedPerkeratthismoment。Openthedoor。
Waitoneinstant，saidMr。Pickwick，Perker，Iwillspeak。
Mydearsir，prayletthematterrestwhereitis，saidthelittleattorney，whohadbeeninastateofnervousapprehensionduringthewholeinterview。Mr。Pickwick，Ibeg！
Iwillnotbeputdown，sir，repliedMr。Pickwickhastily。Mr。Dodson，youhaveaddressedsomeremarkstome。
Dodsonturnedround，benthisheadmeekly，andsmiled。
Someremarkstome，repeatedMr。Pickwick，almostbreathless。andyourpartnerhastenderedmehishand，andyouhavebothassumedatoneofforgivenessandhighmindedness，whichisanextentofimpudencethatIwasnotpreparedfor，eveninyou。
What，sir！exclaimedDodson。
What，sir！reiteratedFogg。
DoyouknowthatIhavebeenthevictimofyourplotsandconspiracies？
continuedMr。Pickwick。DoyouknowthatIamthemanwhomyouhavebeenimprisoningandrobbing？Doyouknowthatyouweretheattorneysfortheplaintiff，inBardellandPickwick？
Yes，sir，wedoknowit，repliedDodson。
Ofcourseweknowit，sir，rejoinedFogg，slappinghispocket——perhapsbyaccident。
Iseethatyourecollectitwithsatisfaction，saidMr。Pickwick，attemptingtocallupasneerforthefirsttimeinhislife，andfailingmostsignallyinsodoing。AlthoughIhavelongbeenanxioustotellyou，inplainterms，whatmyopinionofyouis，Ishouldhaveleteventhisopportunitypass，indeferencetomyfriendPerker’swishes，butfortheunwarrantabletoneyouhaveassumed，andyourinsolentfamiliarity。Isayinsolentfamiliarity，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，turninguponFoggwithafiercenessofgesturewhichcausedthatpersontoretreattowardsthedoorwithgreatexpedition。
Takecare，sir，saidDodson，who，thoughhewasthebiggestmanoftheparty，hadprudentlyintrenchedhimselfbehindFogg，andwasspeakingoverhisheadwithaverypaleface。Lethimassaultyou，Mr。Fogg。don’treturnitonanyaccount。
No，no，Iwon’treturnit，saidFogg，fallingbackalittlemoreashespoke。totheevidentreliefofhispartner，whobythesemeanswasgraduallygettingintotheouteroffice。
Youare，continuedMr。Pickwick，resumingthethreadofhisdiscourse，youareawell-matchedpairofmean，rascally，pettifoggingrobbers。
Well，interposedPerker，isthatall？
Itisallsummedupinthat，rejoinedMr。Pickwick。theyaremean，rascally，pettifoggingrobbers。
There！saidPerkerinamostconciliatorytone。Mydearsirs，hehassaidallhehastosay。Nowpraygo。Lowten，isthatdooropen？
Mr。Lowten，withadistantgiggle，repliedintheaffirmative。