There，there——goodmorning——goodmorning——nowpray，mydearsirs，——Mr。
Lowten，thedoor！criedthelittleman，pushingDodsonandFogg，nothingloath，outoftheoffice。thisway，mydearsirs，——nowpraydon’tprolongthis——dearme——Mr。Lowten——thedoor，sir——whydon’tyouattend？
Ifthere’slawinEngland，sir，saidDodson，lookingtowardsMr。Pickwick，asheputonhishat，youshallsmartforthis。
Youareacoupleofmean——
Remember，sir，youpaydearlyforthis，saidFogg——
Rascally，pettifoggingrobbers！continuedMr。Pickwick，takingnottheleastnoticeofthethreatsthatwereaddressedtohim。
Robbers！criedMr。Pickwick，runningtothestair-head，asthetwoattorneysdescended。
Robbers！shoutedMr。Pickwick，breakingfromLowtenandPerker，andthrustinghisheadoutofthestaircasewindow。
WhenMr。Pickwickdrewinhisheadagain，hiscountenancewassmilingandplacid。and，walkingquietlybackintotheoffice，hedeclaredthathehadnowremovedagreatweightfromhismind，andthathefeltperfectlycomfortableandhappy。
Perkersaidnothingatalluntilhehademptiedhissnuffbox，andsentLowtenouttofillit，whenhewasseizedwithafitoflaughing，whichlastedfiveminutes。attheexpirationofwhichtimehesaidthathesupposedheoughttobeveryangry，buthecouldn’tthinkofthebusinessseriouslyyet——whenhecould，hewouldbe。
Well，now，saidMr。Pickwick，letmehaveasettlementwithyou。
Ofthesamekindasthelast？inquiredPerker，withanotherlaugh。
Notexactly，rejoinedMr。Pickwick，drawingouthispocket-book，andshakingthelittlemanheartilybythehand，Ionlymeanapecuniarysettlement。
YouhavedonememanyactsofkindnessthatIcanneverrepay，andhavenowishtorepay，forIprefercontinuingtheobligation。
Withthispreface，thetwofriendsdivedintosomeverycomplicatedaccountsandvouchers，which，havingbeendulydisplayedandgonethroughbyPerker，wereatoncedischargedbyMr。Pickwickwithmanyprofessionsofesteemandfriendship。
Theyhadnosoonerarrivedatthispoint，thanamostviolentandstartlingknockingwasheardatthedoor。itwasnotanordinarydoubleknock，butaconstantanduninterruptedsuccessionoftheloudestsingleraps，asiftheknockerwereendowedwiththeperpetualmotion，orthepersonoutsidehadforgottentoleaveoff。
Dearme，what’sthat！exclaimedPerker，starting。
Ithinkitisaknockatthedoor，saidMr。Pickwick，asiftherecouldbethesmallestdoubtofthefact！
Theknockermadeamoreenergeticreplythanwordscouldhaveyielded，foritcontinuedtohammerwithsurprisingforceandnoise，withoutamoment’scessation。
Dearme！saidPerker，ringinghisbell，weshallalarmtheInn。Mr。
Lowten，don’tyouhearaknock？
I’llanswerthedoorinonemoment，sir，repliedtheclerk。
Theknockerappearedtoheartheresponse，andtoassertthatitwasquiteimpossiblehecouldwaitsolong。Itmadeastupendousuproar。
It’squitedreadful，saidMr。Pickwick，stoppinghisears。
Makehaste，Mr。Lowten，Perkercalledout，weshallhavethepanelsbeatenin。
Mr。Lowten，whowaswashinghishandsinadarkcloset，hurriedtothedoor，andturningthehandle，beheldtheappearancewhichisdescribedinthenextchapter。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter54[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIVCONTAININGSOMEPARTICULARSRELATIVETOTHEDOUBLE
KNOCK，ANDOTHERMATTERS：AMONGWHICHCERTAININTERESTINGDISCLOSURESRELATIVE
TOMR。SNODGRASSANDAYOUNGLADYAREBYNOMEANSIRRELEVANTTOTHISHISTORY
THEobjectthatpresenteditselftotheeyesoftheastonishedclerk，wasaboy——awonderfullyfatboy——habitedasaservinglad，standinguprightonthemat，withhiseyesclosedasifinsleep。Hehadneverseensuchafatboy，inoroutofatravellingcaravan。
andthis，coupledwiththecalmnessandreposeofhisappearance，soverydifferentfromwhatwasreasonablytohavebeenexpectedoftheinflicterofsuchknocks，smotehimwithwonder。
What’sthematter？inquiredtheclerk。
Theextraordinaryboyrepliednotaword。buthenoddedonce，andseemed，totheclerk’simagination，tosnorefeebly。
Wheredoyoucomefrom？inquiredtheclerk。
Theboymadenosign。Hebreathedheavily，butinallotherrespectswasmotionless。
Theclerkrepeatedthequestionthrice，andreceivingnoanswer，preparedtoshutthedoor，whentheboysuddenlyopenedhiseyes，winkedseveraltimes，sneezedonce，andraisedhishandasiftorepeattheknocking。
Findingthedooropen，hestaredabouthimwithastonishment，andatlengthfixedhiseyesonMr。Lowten’sface。
Whatthedevildoyouknockinthatwayfor？inquiredtheclerk，angrily。
Whichway？saidtheboy，inaslowandsleepyvoice。
Why，likefortyhackney-coachmen，repliedtheclerk。
Becausemastersaid，Iwasn’ttoleaveoffknockingtilltheyopenedthedoor，forfearIshouldgotosleep，saidtheboy。
Well，saidtheclerk，whatmessagehaveyoubrought？
He’sdown-stairs，rejoinedtheboy。
Who？
Master。Hewantstoknowwhetheryou’reathome。
Mr。Lowtenbethoughthimself，atthisjuncture，oflookingoutofthewindow。Seeinganopencarriagewithaheartyoldgentlemaninit，lookingupveryanxiously，heventuredtobeckonhim。onwhich，theoldgentlemanjumpedoutdirectly。
That’syourmasterinthecarriage，Isuppose？saidLowten。
Theboynodded。
AllfurtherinquiriesweresupersededbytheappearanceofoldWardle，who，runningup-stairs，andjustrecognisingLowten，passedatonceintoMr。Perker’sroom。
Pickwick！saidtheoldgentleman。Yourhand，myboy！WhyhaveIneverhearduntilthedaybeforeyesterdayofyoursufferingyourselftobecoopedupinjail？Andwhydidyoulethimdoit，Perker？
Icouldn’thelpit，mydearsir，repliedPerker，withasmileandapinchofsnuff：youknowhowobstinateheis。
OfcourseIdo，ofcourseIdo，repliedtheoldgentleman。Iamheartilygladtoseehim，notwithstanding。Iwillnotlosesightofhimagain，inahurry。
Withthesewords，WardleshookMr。Pickwick’shandoncemore，and，havingdonethesamebyPerker，threwhimselfintoanarm-chair。hisjollyredfaceshiningagainwithsmilesandhealth。
Well！saidWardle。Hereareprettygoingson——apinchofyoursnuff，Perker，myboy——neverweresuchtimes，eh？
Whatdoyoumean？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Mean！repliedWardle。Why，Ithinkthegirlsareallrunningmad。
that’snonews，you’llsay？Perhapsit’snot。butit’strue，forallthat。
YouhavenotcomeuptoLondon，ofallplacesintheworld，totellusthat，mydearsir，haveyou？inquiredPerker。
No，notaltogether，repliedWardle。thoughitwasthemaincauseofmycoming。How’sArabella？
Verywell，repliedMr。Pickwick，andwillbedelightedtoseeyou，Iamsure。
Black-eyedlittlejilt！repliedWardle，Ihadagreatideaofmarryinghermyself，oneoftheseodddays。ButIamgladofittoo，veryglad。
Howdidtheintelligencereachyou？askedMr。Pickwick。
Oh，itcametomygirls，ofcourse，repliedWardle。Arabellawrote，thedaybeforeyesterday，tosayshehadmadeastolenmatchwithoutherhusband’sfather’sconsent，andsoyouhadgonedowntogetitwhenhisrefusingitcouldn’tpreventthematch，andalltherestofit。Ithoughtitaverygoodtimetosaysomethingserioustomygirls。soIsaidwhatadreadfulthingitwasthatchildrenshouldmarrywithouttheirparent’sconsent，andsoforth。but，blessyourhearts，Icouldn’tmaketheleastimpressionuponthem。Theythoughtitsuchamuchmoredreadfulthingthatthereshouldhavebeenaweddingwithoutbridesmaids，thatImightaswellhavepreachedtoJoehimself。
Heretheoldgentlemanstoppedtolaugh。andhavingdonesotohisheart’scontent，presentlyresumed。
Butthisisnotthebestofit，itseems。Thisisonlyhalfthelove-makingandplottingthathavebeengoingforward。Wehavebeenwalkingonminesforthelastsixmonths，andthey’resprungatlast。
Whatdoyoumean！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，turningpale。noothersecretmarriage，Ihope？
No，no，repliedoldWardle。notsobadasthat。no。
Whatthen？inquiredMr。Pickwick。amIinterestedinit？
ShallIanswerthatquestion，Perker？saidWardle。
Ifyoudon’tcommityourselfbydoingso，mydearsir。
Wellthen，youare，saidWardle。
How？askedMr。Pickwickanxiously。Inwhatway？
Really，repliedWardle，you’resuchafierysortofyoungfellowthatIamalmostafraidtotellyou。but，however，ifPerkerwillsitbetweenustopreventmischief，I’llventure。
Havingclosedtheroomdoor，andfortifiedhimselfwithanotherapplicationtoPerker’ssnuff-box，theoldgentlemanproceededwithhisgreatdisclosureinthesewords。
Thefactis，thatmydaughterBella——Bella，whomarriedyoungTrundle，youknow。
Yes，yes，weknow，saidMr。Pickwickimpatiently。
Don’talarmmeattheverybeginning。MydaughterBella，EmilyhavinggonetobedwithaheadacheaftershehadreadArabella’slettertome，satherselfdownbymysidetheotherevening，andbegantotalkoverthismarriageaffair。`Well，pa，’shesays，`whatdoyouthinkofit？’`Why，mydear，’Isaid，`Isupposeit’sallverywell。Ihopeit’sforthebest。’
IansweredinthiswaybecauseIwassittingbeforethefireatthetime，drinkingmygrogratherthoughtfully，andIknewmythrowinginanundecidedwordnowandthen，wouldinducehertocontinuetalking。Bothmygirlsarepicturesoftheirdearmother，andasIgrowoldIliketositwithonlythembyme。fortheirvoicesandlookscarrymebacktothehappiestperiodofmylife，andmakeme，forthemoment，asyoungasIusedtobethen，thoughnotquitesolight-hearted。`It’squiteamarriageofaffection，pa，’saidBella，afterashortsilence。`Yes，mydear，saidI，`butsuchmarriagesdonotalwaysturnoutthehappiest。’
Iquestionthat，mind！interposedMr。Pickwick，warmly。
Verygood，respondedWardle，questionanythingyoulikewhenit’syourturntospeak，butdon’tinterruptme。
Ibegyourpardon，saidMr。Pickwick。
Granted，repliedWardle。`Iamsorrytohearyouexpressyouropinionagainstmarriagesofaffection，pa，’saidBella，colouringalittle。`I
waswrong。Ioughtnottohavesaidso，mydear，either，’saidI，pattinghercheekaskindlyasarougholdfellowlikemecouldpatit，`foryourmother’swasone，andsowasyours。’`It’snotthat，Imeant，pa，’saidBella。`Thefactis，pa，IwantedtospeaktoyouaboutEmily。’
Mr。Pickwickstarted。
What’sthematternow？inquiredWardle，stoppinginhisnarrative。
Nothing，repliedMr。Pickwick。Praygoon。
Inevercouldspinoutastory，saidWardleabruptly。Itmustcomeout，soonerorlater，andit’llsaveusallagreatdealoftimeifitcomesatonce。Thelongandtheshortofitis，then，thatBellaatlastmusteredupcouragetotellmethatEmilywasveryunhappy。thatsheandyouryoungfriendSnodgrasshadbeeninconstantcorrespondenceandcommunicationeversincelastChristmas。thatshehadverydutifullymadeuphermindtorunawaywithhim，inlaudableimitationofheroldfriendandschoolfellow。
butthathavingsomecompunctionsofconscienceonthesubject，inasmuchasIhadalwaysbeenratherkindlydisposedtobothofthem，theyhadthoughtitbetterinthefirstinstancetopaymethecomplimentofaskingwhetherIwouldhaveanyobjectiontotheirbeingmarriedintheusualmatter-of-factmanner。Therenow，Mr。Pickwick，ifyoucanmakeitconvenienttoreduceyoureyestotheirusualsizeagain，andtoletmehearwhatyouthinkweoughttodo，Ishallfeelratherobligedtoyou！
Thetestymannerinwhichtheheartyoldgentlemanutteredthislastsentencewasnotwhollyunwarranted。forMr。Pickwick’sfacehadsettleddownintoanexpressionofblankamazementandperplexity，quitecurioustobehold。
Snodgrass！SincelastChristmas！werethefirstbrokenwordsthatissuedfromthelipsoftheconfoundedgentleman。
SincelastChristmas，repliedWardle。that’splainenough，andverybadspectacleswemusthaveworn，nottohavediscovereditbefore。
Idon’tunderstandit，saidMr。Pickwick，ruminating。Ireallycannotunderstandit。
It’seasyenoughtounderstand，repliedthecholericoldgentleman。
Ifyouhadbeenayoungerman，youwouldhavebeeninthesecretlongago。andbesides，addedWardleafteramoment’shesitation，thetruthis，that，knowingnothingofthismatter，IhaveratherpressedEmilyforfourorfivemonthspast，toreceivefavourablyifshecould。Iwouldneverattempttoforceagirl’sinclinationstheaddressesofayounggentlemandowninourneighbourhood。Ihavenodoubtthat，girl-like，toenhanceherownvalueandincreasetheardourofMr。Snodgrass，shehasrepresentedthismatterinveryglowingcolours，andthattheyhavebotharrivedattheconclusionthattheyareaterriblypersecutedpairofunfortunates，andhavenoresourcebutclandestinematrimonyorcharcoal。Nowthequestionis，what’stobedone？
Whathaveyoudone？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
I！
Imeanwhatdidyoudowhenyourmarrieddaughtertoldyouthis？
Oh，Imadeafoolofmyself，ofcourse，rejoinedWardle。
Justso，interposedPerker，whohadaccompaniedthisdialoguewithsundrytwitchingsofhiswatch-chain，vindictiverubbingsofhisnose，andothersymptomsofimpatience。That’sverynatural。buthow？
Iwentintoagreatpassionandfrightenedmymotherintoafit，saidWardle。
Thatwasjudicious，remarkedPerker。andwhatelse？
Ifrettedandfumedallnextday，andraisedagreatdisturbance，
rejoinedtheoldgentleman。AtlastIgottiredofrenderingmyselfunpleasantandmakingeverybodymiserable。soIhiredacarriageatMuggleton，and，puttingmyownhorsesinit，cameuptotown，underpretenceofbringingEmilytoseeArabella。
MissWardleiswithyou，then？saidMr。Pickwick。
Tobesuresheis，repliedWardle。SheisatOsborne’shotelintheAdelphiatthismoment，unlessyourenterprisingfriendhasrunawaywithhersinceIcameoutthismorning。
Youarereconciled，then？saidPerker。
Notabitofit，answeredWardle。shehasbeencryingandmopingeversince，exceptlastnight，betweenteaandsupper，whenshemadeagreatparadeofwritingaletterthatIpretendedtotakenonoticeof。
Youwantmyadviceinthismatter，Isuppose？saidPerker，lookingfromthemusingfaceofMr。PickwicktotheeagercountenanceofWardle，andtakingseveralconsecutivepinchesofhisfavouritestimulant。
Isupposeso，saidWardle，lookingatMr。Pickwick。
Certainly，repliedthatgentleman。
Wellthen，saidPerker，risingandpushinghischairback，myadviceisthatyoubothwalkawaytogether，orrideaway，orgetawaybysomemeansorother，forI’mtiredofyou，andjusttalkthismatteroverbetweenyou。IfyouhavenotsettleditbythenexttimeIseeyou，I’lltellyouwhattodo。
Thisissatisfactory，saidWardle，hardlyknowingwhethertosmileorbeoffended。
Pooh，pooh，mydearsir，returnedPerker。Iknowyoubothagreatdealbetterthanyouknowyourselves。Youhavesettleditalready，toallintentsandpurposes。
Thusexpressinghimself，thelittlegentlemanpokedhissnuff-box，firstintothechestofMr。Pickwick，andthenintothewaistcoatofMr。Wardle，uponwhichtheyallthreelaughed，butespeciallythetwolast-namedgentlemen，whoatonceshookhandsagain，withoutanyobviousorparticularreason。
Youdinewithmeto-day，saidWardletoPerker，asheshowedthemout。
Can’tpromise，mydearsir，can’tpromise，repliedPerker。I’lllookin，intheevening，atallevents。
Ishallexpectyouatfive，saidWardle。Now，Joe！AndJoehavingbeenatlengthawakened，thetwofriendsdepartedinMr。Wardle’scarriage，whichincommonhumanityhadadickeybehindforthefatboy，who，iftherehadbeenafoot-boardinstead，wouldhaverolledoffandkilledhimselfinhisveryfirstnap。
DrivingtotheGeorgeandVulture，theyfoundthatArabellaandhermaidhadsentforahackney-coachimmediatelyonthereceiptofashortnotefromEmilyannouncingherarrivalintown，andhadproceededstraighttotheAdelphi。AsWardlehadbusinesstotransactinthecity，theysentthecarriageandthefatboytohishotel，withtheinformationthatheandMr。Pickwickwouldreturntogethertodinneratfiveo’clock。
Chargedwiththismessage，thefatboyreturned，slumberingaspeaceablyinhisdickey，overthestones，asifithadbeenadownbedonwatch-springs。
Bysomeextraordinarymiracleheawokeofhisownaccord，whenthecoachstopped，andgivinghimselfagoodshaketostiruphisfaculties，wentup-stairstoexecutehiscommission。
Now，whethertheshakehadjumbledthefatboy’sfacultiestogether，insteadofarrangingtheminproperorder，orhadrousedsuchaquantityofnewideaswithinhimastorenderhimobliviousofordinaryformsandceremonies，orwhichisalsopossiblehadprovedunsuccessfulinpreventinghisfallingasleepasheascendedthestairs，itisanundoubtedfactthathewalkedintothesitting-roomwithoutpreviouslyknockingatthedoor。
andsobeheldagentlemanwithhisarmsclaspinghisyoungmistress’swaist，sittingverylovinglybyhersideonasofa，whileArabellaandherprettyhandmaidfeignedtobeabsorbedinlookingoutofawindowattheotherendoftheroom。Atsightofthisphenomenon，thefatboyutteredaninterjection，theladiesascream，andthegentlemananoath，almostsimultaneously。
Wretchedcreature，whatdoyouwanthere？saidthegentleman，whoitisneedlesstosaywasMr。Snodgrass。
Tothisthefatboy，considerablyterrified，brieflyresponded，Missis。
Whatdoyouwantmefor？inquiredEmily，turningherheadaside，youstupidcreature！
MasterandMr。Pickwickisagoingtodinehereatfive，repliedthefatboy。
Leavetheroom！saidMr。Snodgrass，glaringuponthebewilderedyouth。
No，no，no，addedEmilyhastily。Bella，dear，adviseme。
Uponthis，EmilyandMr。Snodgrass，andArabellaandMary，crowdedintoacorner，andconversedearnestlyinwhispersforsomeminutes，duringwhichthefatboydozed。
Joe，saidArabella，atlength，lookingroundwithamostbewitchingsmile，howdoyoudo，Joe？
Joe，saidEmily，you’reaverygoodboy。Iwon’tforgetyou，Joe。
Joe，saidMr。Snodgrass，advancingtotheastonishedyouth，andseizinghishand，Ididn’tknowyoubefore。There’sfiveshillingsforyou，Joe！
I’lloweyoufive，Joe，saidArabella，foroldacquaintancesake，youknow。andanothermostcaptivatingsmilewasbestoweduponthecorpulentintruder。
Thefatboy’sperceptionbeingslow，helookedratherpuzzledatfirsttoaccountforthissuddenprepossessioninhisfavour，andstaredabouthiminaveryalarmingmanner。Atlengthhisbroadfacebegantoshowsymptomsofagrinofpr’oportionatelybroaddimensions。andthen，thrustinghalf-a-crownintoeachofhispockets，andahandandwristafterit，heburstintoahoarselaugh：beingforthefirstandonlytimeinhisexistence。
Heunderstandsus，Isee，saidArabella。
Hehadbetterhavesomethingtoeat，immediately，remarkedEmily。
Thefatboyalmostlaughedagainwhenheheardthissuggestion。Mary，afteralittlemorewhispering，trippedforthfromthegroup，andsaid：
Iamgoingtodinewithyouto-day，sir，ifyouhavenoobjection。
Thisway，saidthefatboy，eagerly。Thereissuchajollymeatpie！
Withthesewords，thefatboyledthewaydown-stairs。hisprettycompanioncaptivatingallthewaitersandangeringallthechambermaidsasshefollowedhimtotheeating-room。
Therewasthemeat-pieofwhichtheyouthhadspokensofeelingly，andtherewere，moreover，asteak，andadishofpotatoes，andapotofporter。
Sitdown，saidthefatboy。Oh，myeye，howprime！Iamsohungry。
Havingapostrophisedhiseye，inaspeciesofrapture，fiveorsixtimes，theyouthtooktheheadofthelittletable，andMaryseatedherselfatthebottom。
Willyouhavesomeofthis？saidthefatboy，plungingintothepieuptotheveryferulesoftheknifeandfork。
Alittle，ifyouplease，repliedMary。
ThefatboyassistedMarytoalittle，andhimselftoagreatdeal，andwasjustgoingtobegineatingwhenhesuddenlylaiddownhisknifeandfork，leantforwardinhischair，andlettinghishands，withtheknifeandforkinthem，fallonhisknees，said，veryslowly：
Isay！Howniceyoulook！
Thiswassaidinanadmiringmanner，andwas，sofar，gratifying。butstilltherewasenoughofthecannibalintheyounggentleman’seyestorenderthecomplimentadoubleone。
Dearme，Joseph，saidMary，affectingtoblush，whatdoyoumean？
Thefatboygraduallyrecoveringhisformerposition，repliedwithaheavysigh，andremainingthoughtfulforafewmoments，drankalongdraughtoftheporter。Havingachievedthisfeathesighedagain，andappliedhimselfassiduouslytothepie。
WhataniceyoungladyMissEmilyis！saidMary，afteralongsilence。
Thefatboyhadbythistimefinishedthepie。HefixedhiseyesonMary，andreplied：
Iknowsanicerer。
Indeed！saidMary。
Yes，indeed！repliedthefatboy，withunwontedvivacity。
What’shername？inquiredMary。
What’syours？
Mary。
So’shers，saidthefatboy。You’reher。Theboygrinnedtoaddpointtothecompliment，andputhiseyesintosomethingbetweenasquintandacast，whichthereisreasontobelieveheintendedforanogle。
Youmustn’ttalktomeinthatway，saidMary。youdon’tmeanit。
Don’tI，though？repliedthefatboy。Isay！
Well。
Areyougoingtocomehereregular？
No，rejoinedMary，shakingherhead，I’mgoingawayagainto-night。
Why？
Oh！saidthefatboyinatoneofstrongfeeling。howweshouldhaveenjoyedourselvesatmeals，ifyouhadbeen！
Imightcomeheresometimes，perhaps，toseeyou，saidMary，plaitingthetable-clothinassumedcoyness，ifyouwoulddomeafavour。
Thefatboylookedfromthepie-dishtothesteak，asifhethoughtafavourmustbeinamannerconnectedwithsomethingtoeat。andthentookoutoneofthehalf-crownsandglancedatitnervously。
Don’tyouunderstandme？saidMary，lookingslylyinhisfatface。
Againhelookedatthehalf-crown，andsaidfaintly，No。
Theladieswantyounottosayanythingtotheoldgentlemanabouttheyounggentlemanhavingbeenupstairs。andIwantyoutoo。
Isthatall？saidthefatboy，evidentlyverymuchrelievedashepocketedthehalf-crownagain。OfcourseIain’tagoingto。
Yousee，saidMary，Mr。SnodgrassisveryfondofMissEmily，andMissEmily’sveryfondofhim，andifyouweretotellaboutit，theoldgentlemanwouldcarryyouallawaymilesintothecountry，whereyou’dseenobody。
No，no，Iwon’ttell，saidthefatboy，stoutly。
That’sadear，saidMary。Nowit’stimeIwentupstairs，andgotmyladyreadyfordinner。
Don’tgoyet，urgedthefatboy。
Imust，repliedMary。Goodbye，forthepresent。
Thefatboy，withelephantineplayfulness，stretchedouthisarmstoravishakiss。butasitrequirednogreatagilitytoeludehim，hisfairenslaverhadvanishedbeforeheclosedthemagain。uponwhichtheapatheticyouthateapoundorsoofsteakwithasentimentalcountenance，andfellfastasleep。
Therewassomuchtosayup-stairs，andthereweresomanyplanstoconcertforelopementandmatrimonyintheeventofoldWardlecontinuingtobecruel，thatitwantedonlyhalfanhourofdinnerwhenMr。Snodgrasstookhisfinaladieu。TheladiesrantoEmily’sbedroomtodress，andthelovertakinguphishat，walkedoutoftheroom。Hehadscarcelygotoutsidethedoor，whenheheardWardle’svoicetalkingloudly，andlookingoverthebanisters，beheldhim，followedbysomeothergentleman，comingstraightupstairs。Knowingnothingofthehouse，Mr。Snodgrassinhisconfusionsteppedhastilybackintotheroomhehadjustquitted，andpassingfromthenceintoaninnerapartmentMr。Wardle’sbed-chamber，closedthedoorsoftly，justasthepersonshehadcaughtaglimpseof，enteredthesitting-room。
ThesewereMr。Wardle，Mr。Pickwick，Mr。NathanielWinkle，andMr。BenjaminAllen，whomhehadnodifficultyinrecognisingbytheirvoices。
VeryluckyIhadthepresenceofmindtoavoidthem，thoughtMr。Snodgrasswithasmile，andwalkingontiptoetoanotherdoornearthebedside。thisopensintothesamepassage，andIcanwalk，quietlyandcomfortably，away。
Therewasonlyoneobstacletohiswalkingquietlyandcomfortablyaway，whichwasthatthedoorwaslockedandthekeygone。
Letushavesomeofyourbestwineto-day，waiter，saidoldWardle，rubbinghishands。
Youshallhavesomeoftheverybest，sir，repliedthewaiter。
Lettheladiesknowwehavecomein。
Yes，sir。
DevoutlyandardentlydidMr。Snodgrasswishthattheladiescouldknowhehadcomein。HeventuredoncetowhisperWaiter！throughthekeyhole，butastheprobabilityofthewrongwaitercomingtohisrelief，flasheduponhismind，togetherwithasenseofthestrongresemblancebetweenhisownsituationandthatinwhichanothergentlemanhadbeenrecentlyfoundinaneighbouringhotelanaccountofwhosemisfortuneshadappearedundertheheadofPoliceinthatmorning’spaper，hesathimselfonaportmanteau，andtrembledviolently。
Wewon’twaitaminuteforPerker，saidWardle，lookingathiswatch。
heisalwaysexact。Hewillbehere，intime，ifhemeanstocome。andifhedoesnot，it’sofnousewaiting。Ha！Arabella！
Mysister！exclaimedMr。BenjaminAllen，foldingherinamostromanticembrace。
Oh，Ben，dear，howyoudosmelloftobacco，saidArabella，ratherovercomebythismarkofaffection。
DoI？saidMr。BenjaminAllen，DoI，Bella？Well，perhapsIdo。
Perhapshedid。havingjustleftapleasantlittlesmokingpartyoftwelvemedicalstudents，inasmallbackparlourwithalargefire。
ButIamdelightedtoseeyou，saidMr。BenAllen，Blessyou，Bella！
There，saidArabella，bendingforwardtokissherbrother。don’ttakeholdofmeagain，Bendear，becauseyoutumblemeso。
Atthispointofthereconciliation，Mr。BenAllenallowedhisfeelingsandthecigarsandportertoovercomehim，andlookedrounduponthebeholderswithdampspectacles。
Isnothingtobesaidtome？criedWardlewithopenarms。
Agreatdeal，whisperedArabella，asshereceivedtheoldgentleman’sheartycaressandcongratulation。Youareahard-hearted，unfeeling，cruelmonster！
Youarealittlerebel，repliedWardle，inthesametone，andIamafraidIshallbeobligedtoforbidyouthehouse。Peoplelikeyou，whogetmarriedinspiteofeverybody，oughtnottobeletlooseonsociety。
Butcome！addedtheoldgentlemanaloud，Here’sthedinner。youshallsitbyme。Joe。why，damntheboy，he’sawake！
Tothegreatdistressofhismaster，thefatboywasindeedinastateofremarkablevigilance。hiseyesbeingwideopen，andlookingasiftheyintendedtoremainso。Therewasanalacrityinhismanner，too，whichwasequallyunaccountable。everytimehiseyesmetthoseofEmilyorArabella，hesmirkedandgrinned。once，Wardlecouldhaveswornhesawhimwink。
Thisalterationinthefatboy’sdemeanour，originatedinhisincreasedsenseofhisownimportance，andthedignityheacquiredfromhavingbeentakenintotheconfidenceoftheyoungladies。andthesmirks，andgrins，andwinks，weresomanycondescendingassurancesthattheymightdependuponhisfidelity。Asthesetokenswererathercalculatedtoawakensuspicionthanallayit，andweresomewhatembarrassingbesides，theywereoccasionallyansweredbyafrownorshakeoftheheadfromArabella，whichthefatboyconsideringashintstobeonhisguard，expressedhisperfectunderstandingof，bysmirking，grinning，andwinking，withredoubledassiduity。
Joe，saidMr。Wardle，afteranunsuccessfulsearchinallhispockets，ismysnuff-boxonthesofa？
No，sir，repliedthefatboy。
Oh，Irecollect。Ileftitonmydressing-tablethismorning，saidWardle。Runintothenextroomandfetchit。
Thefatboywentintothenextroom。andhavingbeenabsentaboutaminute，returnedwiththesnuff-box，andthepalestfacethateverafatboywore。
What’sthematterwiththeboy！exclaimedWardle。
Nothen’sthematterwithme，repliedJoe，nervously。
Haveyoubeenseeinganyspirits？inquiredtheoldgentleman。
Ortakingany？addedBenAllen。
Ithinkyou’reright，whisperedWardleacrossthetable。Heisintoxicated，I’msure。
BenAllenrepliedthathethoughthewas。andasthatgentlemanhadseenavastdealofthediseaseinquestion，Wardlewasconfirmedinanimpressionwhichhadbeenhoveringabouthismindforhalfanhour，andatoncearrivedattheconclusionthatthefatboywasdrunk。
Justkeepyoureyeuponhimforafewminutes，murmuredWardle。Weshallsoonfindoutwhetherheisornot。
TheunfortunateyouthhadonlyinterchangedadozenwordswithMr。Snodgrass：
thatgentlemanhavingimploredhimtomakeaprivateappealtosomefriendtoreleasehim，andthenpushedhimoutwiththesnuff-box，lesthisprolongedabsenceshouldleadtoadiscovery。Heruminatedalittlewithamostdisturbedexpressionofface，andlefttheroominsearchofMary。
ButMaryhadgonehomeafterdressinghermistress，andthefatboycamebackagainmoredisturbedthanbefore。
WardleandMr。BenAllenexchangedglances。
Joe！saidWardle。
Yes，sir。
Whatdidyougoawayfor？
Thefatboylookedhopelesslyinthefaceofeverybodyattable，andstammeredout，thathedidn’tknow。
Oh，saidWardle，youdon’tknow，eh？TakethischeesetoMr。Pickwick。
Now，Mr。Pickwickbeingintheverybesthealthandspirits，hadbeenmakinghimselfperfectlydelightfulalldinner-time，andwasatthismomentengagedinanenergeticconversationwithEmilyandMr。Winkle：bowinghishead，courteously，intheemphasisofhisdiscourse，gentlywavinghislefthandtolendforcetohisobservations，andallglowingwithplacidsmiles。Hetookapieceofcheesefromtheplate，andwasonthepointofturningroundtorenewtheconversation，whenthefatboy，stoopingsoastobringhisheadonalevelwiththatofMr。Pickwick，pointedwithhisthumboverhisshoulder，andmadethemosthorribleandhideousfacethatwaseverseenoutofaChristmaspantomime。
Dearme！saidMr。Pickwick，starting，whatavery——eh？Hestopped，forthefatboyhaddrawnhimselfup，andwas，orpretendedtobe，fastasleep。
What’sthematter？inquiredWardle。
Thisissuchanextremelysingularlad！repliedMr。Pickwick，lookinguneasilyattheboy。Itseemsanoddthingtosay，butuponmywordI
amafraidthat，attimes，heisalittlederanged。
Oh！Mr。Pickwick，praydon’tsayso，criedEmilyandArabella，bothatonce。
Iamnotcertain，ofcourse，saidMr。Pickwick，amidstprofoundsilence，andlooksofgeneraldismay。buthismannertomethismomentwasreallyveryalarming。Oh！ejaculatedMr。Pickwick，suddenlyjumpingupwithashortscream。Ibegyourpardon，ladies，butatthatmomentheransomesharpinstrumentintomyleg。Reallyheisnotsafe。
He’sdrunk，roaredoldWardle，passionately。Ringthebell！Callthewaiters！He’sdrunk。
Iain’t，saidthefatboy，fallingonhiskneesashismasterseizedhimbythecollar。Iain’tdrunk。
Thenyou’remad。that’sworse。Callthewaiters，saidtheoldgentleman。
Iain’tmad。I’msensible，rejoinedthefatboy，beginningtocry。
Then，whatthedevildoyourunsharpinstrumentsintoMr。Pickwick’slegsfor？inquiredWardle，angrily。
Hewouldn’tlookatme，repliedtheboy。Iwantedtospeaktohim。
Whatdidyouwanttosay？askedhalfadozenvoicesatonce。
Thefatboygasped，lookedatthebed-roomdoor，gaspedagain，andwipedtwotearsawaywiththeknuckleofeachofhisforefingers。
Whatdidyouwanttosay？demandedWardle，shakinghim。
Stop！saidMr。Pickwick。allowme。Whatdidyouwishtocommunicatetome，mypoorboy？
Iwanttowhispertoyou，repliedthefatboy。
Youwanttobitehisearoff，Isuppose，saidWardle。Don’tcomenearhim。he’svicious。ringthebell，andlethimbetakendown-stairs。
JustasMr。Winklecaughtthebell-ropeinhishand，itwasarrestedbyageneralexpressionofastonishment。thecaptivelover，hisfaceburningwithconfusion，suddenlywalkedinfromthebed-room，andmadeacomprehensivebowtothecompany。
Hallo！criedWardle，releasingthefatboy’scollar，andstaggeringback，What’sthis！
Ihavebeenconcealedinthenextroom，sir，sinceyoureturned，explainedMr。Snodgrass。
Emily，mygirl，saidWardle，reproachfully，Idetestmeannessanddeceit。thisisunjustifiableandindelicateinthehighestdegree。Idon’tdeservethisatyourhands，Emily，indeed！
Dearpapa，saidEmily，Arabellaknows——everybodyhereknows——
Joeknows——thatIwasnopartytothisconcealment。Augustus，forHeaven’ssake，explainit！
Mr。Snodgrass，whohadonlywaitedforahearing，atoncerecountedhowhehadbeenplacedinhisthendistressingpredicament。howthefearofgivingrisetodomesticdissensionshadalonepromptedhimtoavoidMr。Wardleonhisentrance。howhemerelymeanttodepartbyanotherdoor，but，findingitlocked，hadbeencompelledtostayagainsthiswill。Itwasapainfulsituationtobeplacedin。buthenowregrettedittheless，inasmuchasitaffordedhimanopportunityofacknowledging，beforetheirmutualfriends，thathelovedMr。Wardle’sdaughter，deeplyandsincerely。
thathewasproudtoavowthatthefeelingwasmutual。andthatifthousandsofmileswereplacedbetweenthem，oroceansrolledtheirwaters，hecouldneverforaninstantforgetthosehappydays，whenfirst——andsoon。
Havingdeliveredhimselftothiseffect，Mr。Snodgrassbowedagain，lookedintothecrownofhishat，andsteppedtowardsthedoor。
Stop！shoutedWardle。Why，inthenameofallthat’s——
Inflammable，mildlysuggestedMr。Pickwick，whothoughtsomethingworsewascoming。
Well——that’sinflammable，saidWardle，adoptingthesubstitute。
couldn’tyousayallthistomeinthefirstinstance？
Orconfideinme？addedMr。Pickwick。
Dear，dear，saidArabella，takingupthedefence，whatistheuseofaskingallthatnow，especiallywhenyouknowyouhadsetyourcovetousoldheartonaricherson-in-law，andaresowildandfiercebesides，thateverybodyisafraidofyou，exceptme。Shakehandswithhim，andorderhimsomedinner，forgoodnessgracioussake，forhelookshalf-starved。
andprayhaveyourwineupatonce，foryou’llnotbetolerableuntilyouhavetakentwobottlesatleast。
TheworthyoldgentlemanpulledArabella’sear，kissedherwithoutthesmallestscruple，kissedhisdaughteralsowithgreataffection，andshookMr。Snodgrasswarmlybythehand。
Sheisrightononepointatallevents，saidtheoldgentleman，cheerfully。
Ringforthewine！
Thewinecame，andPerkercameup-stairsatthesamemoment。Mr。Snodgrasshaddinneratasidetable，and，whenhehaddespatchedit，drewhischairnextEmily，withoutthesmallestoppositionontheoldgentleman’spart。
Theeveningwasexcellent。LittleMr。Perkercameoutwonderfully，toldvariouscomicstories，andsangaserioussongwhichwasalmostasfunnyastheanecdotes。Arabellawasverycharming，Mr。Wardleveryjovial，Mr。
Pickwickveryharmonious，Mr。BenAllenveryuproarious，theloversverysilent，Mr。Winkleverytalkative，andallofthemveryhappy。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter55[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVMR。SOLOMONPELL，ASSISTEDBYASELECTCOMMITTEE
OFCOACHMEN，ARRANGESTHEAFFAIRSOFTHEELDERMR。WELLER
SAMIVEL，saidMr。Weller，accostinghissononthemorningafterthefuneral，I’vefoundit，Sammy。Ithoughtitwosthere。
Thoughtwotwoswere？inquiredSam。
Yourmother-in-law’svill，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller。
Inwirtueo’vich，themarrangementsistobemadeasItoldyouon，lastnight，respectin’thefuns。
Wot，didn’tshetellyouwereitwos？inquiredSam。
Notabitonit，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller。Wewosaadjestin’ourlittledifferences，andIwosacheerin’herspiritsandbearin’herup，sothatIforgottoaskanythin’aboutit。Idon’tknowasIshouldha’
doneitindeed，ifIhadrememberedit，addedMr。Weller，forit’sarumsorto’thing，Sammy，togoahankerin’arteranybody’sproperty，venyou’reassistin’’eminillness。It’slikehelpinganoutsidepassengerup，venhe’sbeenpitchedoffacoach，andputtin’yourhandinhispocket，vileyouaskhimvithasighhowhefindshisself，Sammy。
Withthisfigurativeillustrationofhismeaning，Mr。Wellerunclaspedhispocket-book，anddrewforthadirtysheetofletterpaper，onwhichwereinscribedvariouscharacterscrowdedtogetherinremarkableconfusion。
Thishereisthedockyment，Sammy，saidMr。Weller。
Ifounditinthelittleblackteapot，onthetopshelfo’thebarcloset。Sheusedtokeepbanknotesthere，aforeshevosmarried，Samivel。
I’veseenhertakethelidoff，topayabill，manyandmanyatime。Poorcreetur，shemightha’filledalltheteapotsinthehousevithvills，andnothaveinconweniencedherselfneither，forshetookwerylittleofanythin’inthatvaylately，’ceptontheTemperancenights，ventheyjustlaidafoundationo’teatoputthespiritsa-topon！
Whatdoesitsay？inquiredSam。
JistvotItoldyou，myboy，rejoinedhisparent。Twohundredpoundvurtho’reducedcounselstomyson-in-law，Samivel，andalltheresto’
myproperty，ofev’rykindanddescriptionwotsoevertomyhusband，Mr。
TonyVeller，whoIappintasmysoleeggzekiter。
That’sall，isit？saidSam。
That’sall，repliedMr。Weller。AndIs’poseasit’sallrightandsatisfactorytoyouandmeasistheonlypartiesinterested，vemayasvellputthisbito’paperintothefire。
Wotareyoua-doin’on，youlunatic？saidSam，snatchingthepaperaway，ashisparent，inallinnocence，stirredthefirepreparatorytosuitingtheactiontotheword。You’reaniceeggzekiter，youare。
Vynot？inquiredMr。Weller，lookingsternlyround，withthepokerinhishand。
Vynot！exclaimedSam。’Cositmustbeproved，andprobated，andsworeto，andallmannero’formalities。
Youdon’tmeanthat？saidMr。Weller，layingdownthepoker。
Sambuttonedthewillcarefullyinasidepocket。intimatingbyalook，meanwhile，thathedidmeanit，andveryseriouslytoo。
ThenI’lltellyouwotitis，saidMr。Weller，afterashortmeditation，thisisacaseforthat’ereconfidentialpalo’theChancellorship’s。
Pellmustlookintothis，Sammy。He’sthemanforadifficultquestionatlaw。Ve’llhavethishere，broughtaforetheSolventCourtdirectly。
Samivel。
Ineverdidseesuchaaddle-headedoldcreetur！exclaimedSam，irritably，OldBaileys，andSolventCourts，andalleybis，andev’ryspecieso’gammonalvaysarunnin’throughhisbrain！You’dbettergetyourouto’doorclotheson，andcometotownaboutthisbisness，thanstandapreachin’thereaboutwotyoudon’tunderstandnothin’on。
Werygood，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller，I’mquiteagreeabletoanythin’
asvillhexpeditebusiness，Sammy。Butmindthishere，myboy，nobodybutPell——nobodybutPellasalegaladwiser。
Idon’twantanybodyelse，repliedSam。Now，areyoua-comin’？
Vaitaminit，Sammy，repliedMr。Weller，who，havingtiedhisshawlwiththeaidofasmallglassthathunginthewindow，wasnow，bydintofthemostwonderfulexertions，strugglingintohisuppergarments。Vaitaminit，Sammy。venyougrowasoldasyourfather，youvon’tgetintoyourveskitquiteaseasyasyoudonow，myboy。
IfIcouldn’tgetintoiteasierthanthat，I’mblessedifI’dvearvunatall，rejoinedhisson。
Youthinksonow，saidMr。Weller，withthegravityofage，butyou’llfindthatasyougetvider，you’llgetviser。Vidthandvisdom，Sammy，alvaysgrowstogether。
AsMr。Wellerdeliveredthisinfalliblemaxim——theresultofmanyyears’
personalexperienceandobservation——hecontrived，byadexteroustwistofhisbody，togetthebottombuttonofhiscoattoperformitsoffice。
Havingpausedafewsecondstorecoverbreath，hebrushedhishatwithhiselbow，anddeclaredhimselfready。
Asfourheadsisbetterthantwo，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，astheydrovealongtheLondonRoadinthechaisecart，andasallthisherepropertyisawerygreattemptationtoalegalgen’l’m’n，ve’lltakeacoupleo’
friendso’minevithus，as’llbewerysoondownuponhimifhecomesanythin’
irreg’lar。twoo’themassawyoutotheFleetthatday。They’rethewerybestjudges，addedMr。Wellerinahalfwhisper，thewerybestjudgesofahorse，youeverknow’d。
Andofalawyertoo？inquiredSam。
Themanascanformaackeratejudgmentofaanimal，canformaackeratejudgmentofanythin’，repliedhisfather。sodogmatically，thatSamdidnotattempttocontroverttheposition。
Inpursuanceofthisnotableresolution，theservicesofthemottled-facedgentlemanandoftwootherveryfatcoachmen——selectedbyMr。Weller，probably，withaviewtotheirwidthandconsequentwisdom——wereputintorequisition：
andthisassistancehavingbeensecured，thepartyproceededtothepublic-houseinPortugalStreet，whenceamessengerwasdespatchedtotheInsolventCourtovertheway，requiringMr。SolomonPell’simmediateattendance。
ThemessengerfortunatelyfoundMr。SolomonPellincourt，regalinghimself，businessbeingratherslack，withacoldcollationofanAbernethybiscuitandasaveloy。Themessagewasnosoonerwhisperedinhisearthanhethrusttheminhispocketamongvariousprofessionaldocuments，andhurriedoverthewaywithsuchalacrity，thathereachedtheparlourbeforethemessengerhadevenemancipatedhimselffromthecourt。
Gentlemen，saidMr。Pell，touchinghishat，myservicetoyouall。
Idon’tsayittoflatteryou，gentlemen，buttherearenotfiveothermenintheworld，thatI’dhavecomeoutofthatcourtfor，to-day。
Sobusy，eh？saidSam。
Busy！repliedPell。I’mcompletelysewnup，asmyfriendthelateLordChancellormanyatimeusedtosaytome，gentlemen，whenhecameoutfromhearingappealsintheHouseofLords。Poorfellow！hewasverysusceptibleoffatigue。heusedtofeelthoseappealsuncommonly。Iactuallythoughtmorethanoncethathe’dhavesunkunder’em。Ididindeed。
HereMr。Pellshookhisheadandpaused。onwhich，theelderMr。Weller，nudginghisneighbour，asbegginghimtomarktheattorney’shighconnections，askedwhetherthedutiesinquestionproducedanypermanentilleffectsontheconstitutionofhisnoblefriend。
Idon’tthinkheeverquiterecoveredthem，repliedPell。infactI’msureheneverdid。`Pell，’heusedtosaytomemanyatime，`howtheblazesyoucanstandthehead-workyoudo，isamysterytome。’——`Well，’
Iusedtoanswer，`IhardlyknowhowIdoit，uponmylife’——`Pell，’
he’dadd，sighing，andlookingatmewithalittleenvy——friendlyenvy，youknow，gentlemen，merefriendlyenvy。Inevermindedit——`Pell，you’reawonder。awonder。’Ah！you’dhavelikedhimverymuchifyouhadknownhim，gentlemen。Bringmethreepenn’orthofrum，mydear。
Addressingthislatterremarktothewaitressinatoneofsubduedgrief，Mr。Pellsighed，lookedathisshoes，andtheceiling。and，therumhavingbythattimearrived，drunkitup。
However，saidPell，drawingachairtothetable，aprofessionalmanhasnorighttothinkofhisprivatefriendshipswhenhislegalassistanceiswanted。Bythebye，gentlemen，sinceIsawyouherebefore，wehavehadtoweepoveraverymelancholyoccurrence。
Mr。Pelldrewoutapocket-handkerchief，whenhecametothewordweep，buthemadenofurtheruseofitthantowipeawayaslighttingeofrumwhichhunguponhisupperlip。
IsawitintheAdvertiser，Mr。Weller，continuedPell。Blessmysoul，notmorethanfifty-two！Dearme——onlythink。
Theseindicationsofamusingspiritwereaddressedtothemottled-facedman，whoseeyesMr。Pellhadaccidentallycaught。onwhich，themottled-facedman，whoseapprehensionofmattersingeneralwasofafoggynature，moveduneasilyinhisseat，andopinedthatindeed，sofarasthatwent，therewasnosayinghowthingswasbroughtabout。whichobservation，involvingoneofthosesubtlepropositionswhichitisdifficulttoencounterinargument，wascontrovertedbynobody。
Ihavehearditremarkedthatshewasaveryfinewoman，Mr。Weller，
saidPellinasympathisingmanner。
Yes，sir，shewos，repliedtheelderMr。Weller，notmuchrelishingthismodeofdiscussingthesubject，andyetthinkingthattheattorney，fromhislongintimacywiththelateLordChancellor，mustknowbestonallmattersofpolitebreeding。Shewosaweryfine’ooman，sir，venI
firstknow’dher。Shewosawidder，sir，atthattime。
Now，it’scurious，saidPell，lookingroundwithasorrowfulsmile。
Mrs。Pellwasawidow。
That’sveryextraordinary，saidthemottled-facedman。
Well，itisacuriouscoincidence，saidPell。
Notatall，grufflyremarkedtheelderMr。Weller。
Morewiddersismarriedthansinglewimin。
Verygood，verygood，saidPell，you’requiteright，Mr。Weller。
Mrs。Pellwasaveryelegantandaccomplishedwoman。hermannerswerethethemeofuniversaladmirationinourneighbourhood。Iwasproudtoseethatwomandance。therewassomethingsofirmanddignified，andyetnatural，inhermotion。Hercutting，gentlemen，wassimplicityitself。Ah！well，well！Excusemyaskingthequestion，Mr。Samuel，continuedtheattorneyinalowervoice，wasyourmother-in-lawtall？
Notwery，repliedSam。
Mrs。Pellwasatallfigure，saidPell，asplendidwoman，withanobleshape，andanose，gentlemen，formedtocommandandbemajestic。
Shewasverymuchattachedtome——verymuch——highlyconnected，too。Hermother’sbrother，gentlemen，failedforeighthundredpounds，asaLawStationer。
Vell，saidMr。Weller，whohadgrownratherrestlessduringthisdiscussion，vithregardtobis’ness。
ThewordwasmusictoPell’sears。Hehadbeenrevolvinginhismindwhetheranybusinesswastobetransacted，orwhetherhehadbeenmerelyinvitedtopartakeofaglassofbrandyandwater，orabowlofpunch，oranysimilarprofessionalcompliment，andnowthedoubtwassetatrestwithouthisappearingatalleagerforitssolution。Hiseyesglistenedashelaidhishatonthetable，andsaid：
Whatisthebusinessuponwhich——um？Eitherofthesegentlemenwishtogothroughthecourt？Werequireanarrest。afriendlyarrestwilldo，youknow。weareallfriendshere，Isuppose？
Givemethedockyment，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，takingthewillfromhisson，whoappearedtoenjoytheinterviewamazingly。Wotwerekvire，sir，isaprobeo’thishere。
Probate，mydearsir，probate，saidPell。
Well，sir，repliedMr。Wellersharply，probeandprobeit，iswerymuchthesame。ifyoudon’tunderstandwotImean，sir，IdessayIcanfindthemasdoes。
Nooffence，Ihope，Mr。Weller，saidPell，meekly。Youaretheexecutor，Isee，headded，castinghiseyesoverthepaper。
Iam，sir，repliedMr。Weller。
Theseothergentlemen，Ipresume，arelegatees，arethey？inquiredPellwithacongratulatorysmile。
Sammyisaleg-at-ease，repliedMr。Weller。theseothergen’l’m’nisfriendso’mine，justcometoseefair。akindofumpires。
Oh！saidPell，verygood。Ihavenoobjections，I’msure。IshallwantamatteroffivepoundofyoubeforeIbegin，ha！ha！ha！
Itbeingdecidedbythecommitteethatthefivepoundmightbeadvanced，Mr。Wellerproducedthatsum。afterwhich，alongconsultationaboutnothingparticular，tookplace，inthecoursewhereofMr。Pelldemonstratedtotheperfectsatisfactionofthegentlemenwhosawfair，thatunlessthemanagementofthebusinesshadbeenintrustedtohim，itmustallhavegonewrong，forreasonsnotclearlymadeout，butnodoubtsufficient。
Thisimportantpointbeingdespatched，Mr。Pellrefreshedhimselfwiththreechops，andliquidsbothmaltandspirituous，attheexpenseoftheestate。andthentheyallwentawaytoDoctors’Commons。