Thenextday，therewasanothervisittoDoctors’Commons，andagreattodowithanattestinghostler，who，beinginebriated，declinedswearinganythingbutprofaneoaths，tothegreatscandalofaproctorandsurrogate。
Nextweek，thereweremorevisitstoDoctors’Commons，andtherewasavisittotheLegacyDutyOfficebesides，andthereweretreatiesenteredinto，forthedisposaloftheleaseandbusiness，andratificationsofthesame，andinventoriestobemadeout，andlunchestobetaken，anddinnerstobeeaten，andsomanyprofitablethingstobedone，andsuchamassofpapersaccumulated，thatMr。SolomonPell，andtheboy，andthebluebagtoboot，allgotsostoutthatscarcelyanybodywouldhaveknownthemforthesameman，boy，andbag，thathadloiteredaboutPortugalStreet，afewdaysbefore。
Atlengthalltheseweightymattersbeingarranged，adaywasfixedforsellingoutandtransferringthestock，andofwaitingwiththatviewuponWilkinsFlasher，Esq。，stock-broker，ofsomewhereneartheBank，whohadbeenrecommendedbyMr。SolomonPellforthepurpose。
Itwasakindoffestiveoccasion，andthepartieswereattiredaccordingly。
Mr。Weller’stopswerenewlycleaned，andhisdresswasarrangedwithpeculiarcare。themottled-facedgentlemanworeathisbutton-holeafull-sizeddahliawithseveralleaves。andthecoatsofhistwofriendswereadornedwithnosegaysoflaurelandotherevergreens。Allthreewerehabitedinstrictholidaycostume。thatistosay，theywerewrappeduptothechins，andworeasmanyclothesaspossible，whichis，andhasbeen，astage-coachman’sideaoffulldresseversincestagecoacheswereinvented。
Mr。Pellwaswaitingattheusualplaceofmeetingattheappointedtime。evenMr。Pellworeapairofglovesandacleanshirtmuchfrayedatthecollarandwristbandsbyfrequentwashings。
Aquartertotwo，saidPell，lookingattheparlourclock。IfwearewithMr。Flasherataquarterpast，weshalljusthitthebesttime。
Whatshouldyousaytoadropo’beer，gen’l’m’n？suggestedthemottled-facedman。
Andalittlebito’coldbeef，saidthesecondcoachman。
Oraoyster，addedthethird，whowasahoarsegentleman，supportedbyveryroundlegs。
Hear，hear！saidPell。tocongratulateMr。Weller，onhiscomingintopossessionofhisproperty：eh？ha！ha！
I’mquiteagreeable，gen’l’m’n，answeredMr。Weller。Sammy，pullthebell。
Samcomplied。andtheporter，coldbeef，andoystersbeingpromptlyproduced，thelunchwasdoneamplejusticeto。Whereeverybodytooksoactiveapart，itisalmostinvidioustomakeadistinction。butifoneindividualevincedgreaterpowersthananother，itwasthecoachmanwiththehoarsevoice，whotookanimperialpintofvinegarwithhisoysters，withoutbetrayingtheleastemotion。
Mr。Pell，sir，saidtheelderMr。Weller，stirringaglassofbrandyandwater，ofwhichonewasplacedbeforeeverygentlemanwhentheoystershellswereremoved，Mr。Pell，sir，itwosmyintentiontohaveproposedthefunsonthisoccasion，butSamivelhasvisperedtome——
HereMr。SamuelWeller，whohadsilentlyeatenhisoysterswithtranquilsmiles，criedHear！inaveryloudvoice——
Hasvisperedtome，resumedhisfather，thatitvouldbebettertodewotetheliquortovishin’yousuccessandprosperity，andthankin’
youforthemannerinwhichyou’vebroughtthisherebusinessthrough。
Here’syourhealth，sir。
Holdhardthere，interposedthemottled-facedgentleman，withsuddenenergy，youreyesonme，gen’l’m’n！
Sayingthis，themottled-facedgentlemanrose，asdidtheothergentlemen。
Themottled-facedgentlemanreviewedthecompany，andslowlyliftedhishand，uponwhicheverymanincludinghimofthemottledcountenancedrewalongbreath，andliftedhistumblertohislips。Inoneinstantthemottled-facedgentlemandepressedhishandagain，andeveryglasswassetdownempty。
Itisimpossibletodescribethethrillingeffectproducedbythisstrikingceremony。Atoncedignified，solemn，andimpressive，itcombinedeveryelementofgrandeur。
Well，gentlemen，saidMr。Pell，allIcansayis，thatsuchmarksofconfidencemustbeverygratifyingtoaprofessionalman。Idon’twishtosayanythingthatmightappearegotistical，gentlemen，butI’mveryglad，foryourownsakes，thatyoucametome：that’sall。Ifyouhadgonetoanylowmemberoftheprofession，it’smyfirmconviction，andIassureyouofitasafact，thatyouwouldhavefoundyourselvesinQueerStreetbeforethis。Icouldhavewishedmynoblefriendhadbeenalivetohaveseenmymanagementofthiscase。Idon’tsayitoutofpride，butIthink——however，gentlemen，Iwon’ttroubleyouwiththat。I’mgenerallytobefoundhere，gentlemen，butifI’mnothere，orovertheway，that’smyaddress。You’llfindmytermsverycheapandreasonable，andnomanattendsmoretohisclientsthanIdo，andIhopeIknowalittleofmyprofessionbesides。
Ifyouhaveanyopportunityofrecommendingmetoanyofyourfriends，gentlemen，Ishallbeverymuchobligedtoyou，andsowilltheytoo，whentheycometoknowme。Yourhealths，gentlemen。
Withthisexpressionofhisfeelings，Mr。SolomonPelllaidthreesmallwrittencardsbeforeMr。Weller’sfriends，and，lookingattheclockagain，feareditwastimetobewalking。UponthishintMr。Wellersettledthebill，and，issuingforth，theexecutor，legatee，attorney，andumpires，directedtheirstepstowardstheCity。
TheofficeofWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，oftheStockExchange，wasinafirstfloorupacourtbehindtheBankofEngland。thehouseofWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wasatBrixton，Surrey。thehorseandstanhopeofWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wereatanadjacentliverystable。thegroomofWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wasonhiswaytotheWestEndtodeliversomegame。
theclerkofWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，hadgonetohisdinner。andsoWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，himself，cried，Comein，whenMr。Pellandhiscompanionsknockedatthecounting-housedoor。
Goodmorning，sir，saidPell，bowingobsequiously。Wewanttomakealittletransfer，ifyouplease。
Oh，comein，willyou？saidMr。Flasher。Sitdownaminute。I’llattendtoyoudirectly。
Thankyou，sir，saidPell，there’snohurry。Takeachair，Mr。Weller。
Mr。Wellertookachair，andSamtookabox，andtheumpirestookwhattheycouldget，andlookedatthealmanackandoneortwopaperswhichwerewaferedagainstthewall，withasmuchopen-eyedreverenceasiftheyhadbeenthefinesteffortsoftheoldmasters。
Well，I’llbetyouhalfadozenofclaretonit。come！saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，resumingtheconversationtowhichMr。Pell’sentrancehadcausedamomentaryinterruption。
Thiswasaddressedtoaverysmartyounggentlemanwhoworehishatonhisrightwhisker，andwasloungingoverthedesk，killingflieswitharuler。WilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wasbalancinghimselfontwolegsofanofficestool，spearingawafer-boxwithapen-knife，whichhedroppedeverynowandthenwithgreatdexterityintotheverycentreofasmallredwaferthatwasstuckoutside。Bothgentlemenhadveryopenwaistcoatsandveryrollingcollars，andverysmallboots，andverybigrings，andverylittlewatches，andverylargeguard-chains，andsymmetricalinexpressibles，andscentedpocket-handkerchiefs。
Ineverbethalfadozen，saidtheothergentleman。I’lltakeadozen。
Done，Simmery，done！saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。
P。P。，mind，observedtheother。
Ofcourse，repliedWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。WilkinsFlasher，Esquire，entereditinalittlebook，withagoldpencil-case，andtheothergentlemanentereditalso，inanotherlittlebookwithanothergoldpencil-case。
Iseethere’sanoticeupthismorningaboutBoffer，observedMr。
Simmery。Poordevil，he’sexpelledthehouse！
I’llbetyoutenguineastofive，hecutshisthroat，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。
Done，repliedMr。Simmery。
Stop！Ibar，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，thoughtfully。Perhapshemayhanghimself。
Verygood，rejoinedMr。Simmery，pullingoutthegoldpencil-caseagain。I’venoobjectiontotakeyouthatway。Say，makesawaywithhimself。
Killshimself，infact，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。
Justso，repliedMr。Simmery，puttingitdown。
`Flasher——tenguineastofive，Bofferkillshimself。’Withinwhattimeshallwesay？
Afortnight？suggestedWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。
Con-foundit，no。rejoinedMr。Simmery，stoppingforaninstanttosmashaflywiththeruler。Sayaweek。
Splitthedifference，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。Makeittendays。
Well。tendays，rejoinedMr。Simmery。
So，itwasentereddowninthelittlebooksthatBofferwastokillhimselfwithintendays，orWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wastohandovertoFrankSimmery，Esquire，thesumoftenguineas。andthatifBofferdidkillhimselfwithinthattime，FrankSimmery，Esquire，wouldpaytoWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，fiveguineas，instead。
I’mverysorryhehasfailed，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。Capitaldinnershegave。
Fineporthehadtoo，remarkedMr。Simmery。Wearegoingtosendourbutlertothesaleto-morrow，topickupsomeofthatsixty-four。
Thedevilyouare，saidWilkinsFlasher，Esquire。Myman’sgoingtoo。Fiveguineasmymanoutbidsyourman。
Done。
Anotherentrywasmadeinthelittlebooks，withthegoldpencil-cases。
andMr。Simmeryhaving，bythistime，killedallthefliesandtakenallthebets，strolledawaytotheStockExchangetoseewhatwasgoingforward。
WilkinsFlasher，Esquire，nowcondescendedtoreceiveMr。SolomonPell’sinstructions，andhavingfilledupsomeprintedforms，requestedthepartytofollowhimtotheBank：whichtheydid：Mr。Wellerandhisthreefriendsstaringatalltheybeheldinunboundedastonishment，andSamencounteringeverythingwithacoolnesswhichnothingcoulddisturb。
Crossingacourt-yardwhichwasallnoiseandbustle。andpassingacoupleofporterswhoseemeddressedtomatchtheredfireenginewhichwaswheeledawayintoacorner。theypassedintoanofficewheretheirbusinesswastobetransacted，andwherePellandMr。Flasherleftthemstandingforafewmoments，whiletheywentup-stairsintotheWillOffice。
Wotplaceisthishere？whisperedthemottled-facedgentlemantotheelderMr。Weller。
Counsel’sOffice，repliedtheexecutorinawhisper。
Wotarethemgen’l’menasettin’behindthecounters？askedthehoarsecoachman。
Reducedcounsels，Is’pose，repliedMr。Weller。Ain’ttheythereducedcounsels，Samivel？
Wy，youdon’tsupposethereducedcounselsisalive，doyou？inquiredSam，withsomedisdain。
HowshouldIknow？retortedMr。Weller。Ithoughttheylookedwerylikeit。Wotarethey，then？
Clerks，repliedSam。
Wotaretheyallaeatin’hamsangwidgesfor？inquiredhisfather。
’Cosit’sintheirdooty，Isuppose，repliedSam，it’saparto’
thesystem。they’realvaysadoin’ithere，alldaylong！
Mr。Wellerandhisfriendshadscarcelyhadamomenttoreflectuponthissingularregulationasconnectedwiththemonetarysystemofthecountry，whentheywererejoinedbyPellandWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，wholedthemtoapartofthecounterabovewhichwasaroundblackboardwithalargeW。onit。
Wot’sthatfor，sir？inquiredMr。Weller，directingPell’sattentiontothetargetinquestion。
Thefirstletterofthenameofthedeceased，repliedPell。
Isay，saidMr。Weller，turningroundtotheumpires。There’ssomethin’
wronghere。We’sourletter——thiswon’tdo。
Therefereesatoncegaveitastheirdecidedopinionthatthebusinesscouldnotbelegallyproceededwith，undertheletterW，andinallprobabilityitwouldhavestoodoverforonedayatleast，haditnotbeenfortheprompt，though，atfirstsight，undutifulbehaviourofSam，who，seizinghisfatherbytheskirtofthecoat，draggedhimtothecounter，andpinnedhimthere，untilhehadaffixedhissignaturetoacoupleofinstruments。
whichfromMr。Weller’shabitofprinting，wasaworkofsomuchlabourandtime，thattheofficiatingclerkpeeledandatethreeRibstonpippinswhileitwasperforming。
AstheelderMr。Wellerinsistedonsellingouthisportionforthwith，theyproceededfromtheBanktothegateoftheStockExchange，towhichWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，afterashortabsence，returnedwithachequeonSmith，Payne，andSmith，forfivehundredandthirtypounds。thatbeingthesumofmoneytowhichMr。Welleratthemarketpriceoftheday，wasentitled，inconsiderationofthebalanceofthesecondMrs。Weller’sfundedsavings。Sam’stwohundredpoundsstoodtransferredtohisname，andWilkinsFlasher，Esquire，havingbeenpaidhiscommission，droppedthemoneycarelesslyintohiscoatpocket，andloungedbacktohisoffice。
Mr。Wellerwasatfirstobstinatelydeterminedoncashingthechequeinnothingbutsovereigns：butitbeingrepresentedbytheumpiresthatbysodoinghemustincurtheexpenseofasmallsacktocarrythemhomein，heconsentedtoreceivetheamountinfive-poundnotes。
Myson，saidMr。Weller，astheycameoutofthebanking-house，mysonandmehasaweryparticularengagementthisarternoon，andIshouldliketohavethisherebis’nesssettledoutofhand，solet’sjestgostraightavaysomeveres，verevecanhordittheaccounts。
Aquietroomwassoonfound，andtheaccountswereproducedandaudited。
Mr。Pell’sbillwastaxedbySam，andsomechargesweredisallowedbytheumpires。but，notwithstandingMr。Pell’sdeclaration，accompaniedwithmanysolemnasseverationsthattheywerereallytooharduponhim，itwasbyverymanydegreesthebestprofessionaljobhehadeverhad，andoneonwhichheboarded，lodged，andwashed，forsixmonthsafterwards。
Theumpireshavingpartakenofadram，shookhandsanddeparted，astheyhadtodriveoutoftownthatnight。Mr。SolomonPell，findingthatnothingmorewasgoingforward，eitherintheeatingordrinkingway，tookafriendlyleave，andSamandhisfatherwereleftalone。
There！saidMr。Weller，thrustinghispocket-bookinhissidepocket。
Viththebillsforthelease，andthat，there’selevenhundredandeightypoundhere。Now，Samivel，myboy，turnthehorses’headstotheGeorgeandWulter！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter56[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIANIMPORTANTCONFERENCETAKESPLACEBETWEENMR。PICKWICK
ANDSAMUELWELLER，ATWHICHHISPARENTASSISTS。ANOLDGENTLEMANINASNUFF-COLOURED
SUITARRIVESUNEXPECTEDLY
MR。PICKWICKwassittingalone，musingovermanythings，andthinkingamongotherconsiderationshowhecouldbestprovidefortheyoungcouplewhosepresentunsettledconditionwasmatterofconstantregretandanxietytohim，whenMarysteppedlightlyintotheroom，and，advancingtothetable，said，ratherhastily：
Oh，ifyouplease，sir，Samuelisdown-stairs，andhesaysmayhisfatherseeyou？
Surely，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Thankyou，sir，saidMary，trippingtowardsthedooragain。
Samhasnotbeenherelong，hashe？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Oh，no，sir，repliedMaryeagerly。Hehasonlyjustcomehome。Heisnotgoingtoaskyouforanymoreleave，sir，hesays。
Marymighthavebeenconsciousthatshehadcommunicatedthislastintelligencewithmorewarmththanseemedactuallynecessary，orshemighthaveobservedthegood-humouredsmilewithwhichMr。Pickwickregardedher，whenshehadfinishedspeaking。Shecertainlyhelddownherhead，andexaminedthecornerofaverysmartlittleapron，withmoreclosenessthanthereappearedanyabsoluteoccasionfor。
Tellthemtheycancomeupatonce，byallmeans，saidMr。Pickwick。
Mary，apparentlymuchrelieved，hurriedawaywithhermessage。
Mr。Pickwicktooktwoorthreeturnsupanddowntheroom。andrubbinghischinwithhislefthandashedidso，appearedlostinthought。
Well，well，saidMr。Pickwickatlength，inakindbutsomewhatmelancholytone，itisthebestwayinwhichIcouldrewardhimforhisattachmentandfidelity。letitbeso，inHeaven’sname。Itisthefateofalonelyoldman，thatthoseabouthimshouldformnewanddifferentattachmentsandleavehim。Ihavenorighttoexpectthatitshouldbeotherwisewithme。No，no，addedMr。Pickwickmorecheerfully，itwouldbeselfishandungrateful。Ioughttobehappytohaveanopportunityofprovidingforhimsowell。Iam。OfcourseIam。
Mr。Pickwickhadbeensoabsorbedinthesereflections，thataknockatthedoorwasthreeorfourtimesrepeatedbeforeheheardit。Hastilyseatinghimself，andcallinguphisaccustomedpleasantlooks，hegavetherequiredpermission，andSamWellerentered，followedbyhisfather。
Gladtoseeyoubackagain，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick。Howdoyoudo，Mr。Weller？
Weryhearty，thank’ee，sir，repliedthewidower。hopeIseeyouwell，sir。
Quite，Ithankyou，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Iwantedtohavealittlebito’conwersationwithyou，sir，saidMr。Weller，ifyoucouldsparemefiveminitsorso，sir。
Certainly，repliedMr。Pickwick。Sam，giveyourfatherachair。
Thank’ee，Samivel，I’vegotacheerhere，saidMr。Weller，bringingoneforwardashespoke。uncommonfinedayit’sbeen，sir，addedtheoldgentleman，layinghishatonthefloorashesathimselfdown。
Remarkablysoindeed，repliedMr。Pickwick。Veryseasonable。
SeasonablestveatherIeversee，sir，rejoinedMr。Weller。Here，theoldgentlemanwasseizedwithaviolentfitofcoughing，which，beingterminated，henoddedhisheadandwinkedandmadeseveralsupplicatoryandthreateninggesturestohisson，allofwhichSamWellersteadilyabstainedfromseeing。
Mr。Pickwick，perceivingthattherewassomeembarrassmentontheoldgentleman’spart，affectedtobeengagedincuttingtheleavesofabookthatlaybesidehim，andwaitedpatientlyuntilMr。Wellershouldarriveattheobjectofhisvisit。
Ineverseesichaaggerawatin’boyasyouare，Samivel，saidMr。
Weller，lookingindignantlyashisson。neverinallmyborndays。
Whatishedoing，Mr。Weller？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Hevon’tbegin，sir，rejoinedMr。Weller。heknowsIain’tekaltoex-pressin’myselfventhere’sanythin’particklertobedone，andyethe’llstandandseemeasettin’heretakin’upyourwalabletime，andmakin’areg’larspectacleo’myself，raytherthanhelpmeoutvithasyllable。
Itain’tfilialconduct，Samivel，saidMr。Weller，wipinghisforehead。
weryfarfromit。
Yousaidyou’dspeak，repliedSam。howshouldIknowyouwosdoneupatthewerybeginnin’？
Youmightha’seenIwarn’tabletostart，rejoinedhisfather。I’monthewrongsideoftheroad，andbackin’intothepalins，andallmannerofunpleasantness，andyetyouvon’tputoutahandtohelpme。I’mashamedonyou，Samivel。
Thefactis，sir，saidSam，withaslightbow，thegov’ner’sbeenadrawin’hismoney。
Werygood，Samivel，werygood，saidMr。Weller，noddinghisheadwithasatisfiedair，Ididn’tmeantospeakharshtoyou，Sammy。Werygood。
That’sthevaytobegin。Cometothepintatonce。Werygoodindeed，Samivel。
Mr。Wellernoddedhisheadanextraordinarynumberoftimes，intheexcessofhisgratification，andwaitedinalisteningattitudeforSamtoresumehisstatement。
Youmaysitdown，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，apprehendingthattheinterviewwaslikelytoproveratherlongerthanhehadexpected。
Sambowedagainandsatdown。hisfatherlookinground，hecontinued——
Thegov’ner，sir，hasdrawnoutfivehundredandthirtypound。
Reducedcounsels，interposedMr。Weller，senior，inanundertone。
Itdon’tmuchmattervetherit’sreducedcounsels，orwotnot，saidSam。fivehundredandthirtypoundisthesum，ain’tit？
Allright，Samivel，repliedMr。Weller。
Tovichsum，hehasaddedforthehouseandbisness——
Lease，good-vill，stock，andfixters，interposedMr。Weller——
Asmuchasmakesit，continuedSam，altogether，elevenhundredandeightypound。
Indeed！saidMr。Pickwick。Iamdelightedtohearit。Icongratulateyou，Mr。Weller，onhavingdonesowell。
Vaitaminit，sir，saidMr。Weller，raisinghishandinadeprecatorymanner。Geton，Samivel。
Thisheremoney，saidSam，withalittlehesitation，he’sanxioustoputsomeveres，vereheknowsit’llbesafe，andI’mweryanxioustoo，forifhekeepsit，he’llgoalendin’ittosomebody，orinwestin’propertyinhorses，ordroppin’hispocket-bookdownaairy，ormakin’aEgyptianmummyofhis-selfinsomevayoranother。
Werygood，Samivel，observedMr。Weller，inascomplacentamannerasifSamhadbeenpassingthehighesteulogiumsonhisprudenceandforesight。
Werygood。
Forvichreasons，continuedSam，pluckingnervouslyatthebrimofhishat。forvichreasons，he’sdrawditoutto-day，andcomeherevithmetosay，leastvaystooffer，orinotherwordsto——
Tosaythishere，saidtheelderMr。Weller，impatiently，thatitain’to’nousetome。I’magoin’tovorkacoachreg’lar，andha’ntgotnoverestokeepitin，unlessIvostopaytheguardfortakin’careonit，ortoputitinvuno’thecoachpockets，vich’udbeatemptationtotheinsides。Ifyou’lltakecareonitforme，sir，Ishallbewerymuchobligedtoyou。P’raps，saidMr。Weller，walkinguptoMr。Pickwickandwhisperinginhisear，p’rapsit’llgoalittlevaytowardstheexpenseso’that’ereconwiction。AllIsayis，justyoukeepittillIaskyouforitagain。Withthesewords，Mr。Wellerplacedthepocket-bookinMr。
Pickwick’shands，caughtuphishat，andranoutoftheroomwithacelerityscarcelytobeexpectedfromsocorpulentasubject。
Stophim，Sam！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，earnestly。Overtakehim。bringhimbackinstantly！Mr。Weller——here——comeback！
Samsawthathismaster’sinjunctionswerenottobedisobeyed。andcatchinghisfatherbythearmashewasdescendingthestairs，draggedhimbackbymainforce。
Mygoodfriend，saidMr。Pickwick，takingtheoldmanbythehand。
yourhonestconfidenceoverpowersme。
Idon’tseenooccasionfornothin’o’thekind，sir，repliedMr。
Weller，obstinately。
Iassureyou，mygoodfriend，IhavemoremoneythanIcaneverneed。
farmorethanamanatmyagecaneverlivetospend，saidMr。Pickwick。
Nomanknowshowmuchhecanspend，tillhetries，observedMr。Weller。
Perhapsnot，repliedMr。Pickwick。butasIhavenointentionoftryinganysuchexperiments，Iamnotlikelytocometowant。Imustbegyoutotakethisback，Mr。Weller。
Werywell，saidMr。Wellerwithadiscontentedlook。Markmyvords，Sammy。I’lldosomethin’desperateviththishereproperty。somethin’desperate！
You’dbetternot，repliedSam。
Mr。Wellerreflectedforashorttime，andthen，buttoninguphiscoatwithgreatdetermination，said：
I’llkeepapike。
Wot！exclaimedSam。
Apike，rejoinedMr。Weller，throughhissetteeth。I’llkeepapike。
Saygoodbyetoyourfather，Samivel。Idewotetheremaindero’mydaystoapike。
Thisthreatwassuchanawfulone，andMr。Wellerbesidesappearingfullyresolvedtocarryitintoexecution，seemedsodeeplymortifiedbyMr。Pickwick’srefusal，thatthatgentleman，afterashortreflection，said：
Well，well，Mr。Weller，Iwillkeepthemoney。Icandomoregoodwithit，perhaps，thanyoucan。
Justthewerything，tobesure，saidMr。Weller，brighteningup。
o’courseyoucan，sir。
Saynomoreaboutit，saidMr。Pickwick，lockingthepocket-bookinhisdesk。Iamheartilyobligedtoyou，mygoodfriend。Nowsitdownagain。
Iwanttoaskyouradvice。
Theinternallaughteroccasionedbythetriumphantsuccessofhisvisit，whichhadconvulsednotonlyMr。Weller’sface，buthisarms，legs，andbodyalso，duringthelockingupofthepocket-book，suddenlygaveplacetothemostdignifiedgravityasheheardthesewords。
Waitoutsideafewminutes，Sam，willyou？saidMr。Pickwick。
Samimmediatelywithdrew。
Mr。Wellerlookeduncommonlywiseandverymuchamazed，whenMr。Pickwickopenedthediscoursebysaying：
Youarenotanadvocateformatrimony，Ithink，Mr。Weller？
Mr。Wellershookhishead。Hewaswhollyunabletospeak。vaguethoughtsofsomewickedwidowhavingbeensuccessfulinherdesignsonMr。Pickwick，chokedhisutterance。
Didyouhappentoseeayounggirldownstairswhenyoucameinjustnowwithyourson？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Yes。Iseeayounggal，repliedMr。Weller，shortly。
Whatdidyouthinkofher，now？Candidly，Mr。Weller，whatdidyouthinkofher？
Ithoughtshewosweryplumpandvellmade，saidMr。Weller，withacriticalair。
Sosheis，saidMr。Pickwick，sosheis。Whatdidyouthinkofhermanners，fromwhatyousawofher？
Werypleasant，rejoinedMr。Weller。Werypleasantandconformable。
TheprecisemeaningwhichMr。Wellerattachedtothislast-mentionedadjective，didnotappear。but，asitwasevidentfromthetoneinwhichheuseditthatitwasafavourableexpression，Mr。Pickwickwasaswellsatisfiedasifhehadbeenthoroughlyenlightenedonthesubject。
Itakeagreatinterestinher，Mr。Weller，saidMr。Pickwick。
Mr。Wellercoughed。
Imeananinterestinherdoingwell，resumedMr。Pickwick。adesirethatshemaybecomfortableandprosperous。Youunderstand？
Weryclearly，repliedMr。Weller，whounderstoodnothingyet。
Thatyoungperson，saidMr。Pickwick，isattachedtoyourson。
ToSamivelVeller！exclaimedtheparent。
Yes，saidPickwick。
It’snat’ral，saidMr。Weller，aftersomeconsideration，nat’ral，butraytheralarmin’。Sammymustbecareful。
Howdoyoumean？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Werycarefulthathedon’tsaynothin’toher，respondedMr。Weller。
Werycarefulthatheain’tledavay，inainnocentmoment，tosayanythinkasmayleadtoaconwictionforbreach。You’reneversafevith’em，Mr。
Pickwick，ventheyvuncehasdesignsonyou。there’snoknowin’veretohave’em。andvileyou’rea-consideringofit，theyhaveyou。Iwosmarriedfust，thatvaymyself，sir，andSammywostheconsekenso’themanoover。
YougivemenogreatencouragementtoconcludewhatIhavetosay，
observedMr。Pickwick，butIhadbetterdosoatonce。Thisyoungpersonisnotonlyattachedtoyourson，Mr。Weller，butyoursonisattachedtoher。
Vell，saidMr。Weller，thishere’saprettysorto’thingtocometoafather’sears，thisis！
Ihaveobservedthemonseveraloccasions，saidMr。Pickwick，makingnocommentonMr。Weller’slastremark。andentertainnodoubtatallaboutit。SupposingIweredesirousofestablishingthemcomfortablyasmanandwifeinsomelittlebusinessorsituation，wheretheymighthopetoobtainadecentliving，whatshouldyouthinkofit，Mr。Weller？
Atfirst，Mr。Wellerreceived，withwryfaces，apropositioninvolvingthemarriageofanybodyinwhomhetookaninterest。but，asMr。Pickwickarguedthepointwithhim，andlaidgreatstressonthefactthatMarywasnotawidow，hegradullybecamemoretractable。Mr。Pickwickhadgreatinfluenceoverhim，andhehadbeenmuchstruckwithMary’sappearance。
having，infact，bestowedseveralveryunfatherlywinksuponher，already。
AtlengthhesaidthatitwasnotforhimtoopposeMr。Pickwick’sinclination，andthathewouldbeveryhappytoyieldtohisadvice。uponwhich，Mr。
Pickwickjoyfullytookhimathisword，andcalledSambackintotheroom。
Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，clearinghisthroat，yourfatherandIhavebeenhavingsomeconversationaboutyou。
Aboutyou，Samivel，saidMr。Weller，inapatronisingandimpressivevoice。
Iamnotsoblind，Sam，asnottohaveseen，alongtimesince，thatyouentertainsomethingmorethanafriendlyfeelingtowardsMrs。Winkle’smaid，saidMr。Pickwick。
Youhearthis，Samivel？saidMr。Wellerinthesamejudicialformofspeechasbefore。
Ihope，sir，saidSam，addressinghismaster：Ihopethere’snoharminayoungmantakin’noticeofayoung’oomanasisundeniablygood-lookingandwell-conducted。
Certainlynot，saidMr。Pickwick。
Notbynomeans，acquiescedMr。Weller，affablybutmagisterially。
Sofarfromthinkingthereisanythingwrong，inconductsonatural，
resumedMr。Pickwick，itismywishtoassistandpromoteyourwishesinthisrespect。Withthisview，Ihavehadalittleconversationwithyourfather。andfindingthatheisofmyopinion——
Theladynotbein’awidder，interposedMr。Wellerinexplanation。
Theladynotbeingawidow，saidMr。Pickwick，smiling。Iwishtofreeyoufromtherestraintwhichyourpresentpositionimposesuponyou，andtomarkmysenseofyourfidelityandmanyexcellentqualities，byenablingyoutomarrythisgirlatonce，andtoearnanindependentlivelihoodforyourselfandfamily。Ishallbeproud，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，whosevoicehadfalteredalittlehitherto，butnowresumeditscustomarytone，proudandhappytomakeyourfutureprospectsinlife，mygratefulandpeculiarcare。
Therewasaprofoundsilenceforashorttime，andthenSamsaid，inalowhuskysortofvoice，butfirmlywithal：
I’mverymuchobligedtoyouforyourgoodness，sir，asisonlylikeyourself。butitcan’tbedone。
Can’tbedone！ejaculatedMr。Pickwickinastonishment。
Samivel！saidMr。Weller，withdignity。
Isayitcan’tbedone，repeatedSaminalouderkey。Wot’stobecomeofyou，sir？
Mygoodfellow，repliedMr。Pickwick，therecentchangesamongmyfriendswillaltermymodeoflifeinfuture，entirely。besides，Iamgrowingolder，andwantreposeandquiet。Myrambles，Sam，areover。
HowdoIknowthat’ere，sir？arguedSam。Youthinksonow！S’poseyouwostochangeyourmind，vichisnotunlikely，foryou’vethespirito’five-and-twentyinyoustill，what’udbecomeonyouvithoutme？Itcan’tbedone，sir，itcan’tbedone。
Werygood，Samivel，there’sagooddealinthat，saidMr。Weller，encouragingly。
Ispeakafterlongdeliberation，Sam，andwiththecertaintythatI
shallkeepmyword，saidMr。Pickwick，shakinghishead。Newsceneshavecloseduponme。myramblesareatanend。
Werygood，rejoinedSam。Then，that’sthewerybestreasonwyyoushouldalvayshavesomebodybyyouasunderstandsyou，tokeepyouupandmakeyoucomfortable。Ifyouvantamorepolishedsorto’feller，vellandgood，havehim。butvagesornovages，noticeornonotice，boardornoboard，lodgin’ornolodgin’，SamVeller，asyoutookfromtheoldinnintheBorough，sticksbyyou，comewhatcomemay。andletev’rythin’andev’rybodydotheirweryfiercest，nothin’shalleverperwentit！
Atthecloseofthisdeclaration，whichSammadewithgreatemotion，theelderMr。Wellerrosefromhischair，andforgettingallconsiderationsoftime，place，orpropriety，wavedhishatabovehishead，andgavethreevehementcheers。
Mygoodfellow，saidMr。Pickwick，whenMr。Wellerhadsatdownagain，ratherabashedathisownenthusiasm，youareboundtoconsidertheyoungwomanalso。
Idoconsidertheyoung’ooman，sir，saidSam。Ihaveconsideredtheyoung’ooman。I’vespoketoher。I’vetoldherhowI’msitivated。she’sreadytovaittillI’mready，andIbelieveshevill。Ifshedon’t，she’snottheyoung’oomanItakeherfor，andIgiveherupvithreadiness。
You’veknow’dmeafore，sir。Mymind’smadeup，andnothin’caneveralterit。
Whocouldcombatthisresolution？NotMr。Pickwick。Hederived，atthatmoment，moreprideandluxuryoffeelingfromthedisinterestedattachmentofhishumblefriends，thantenthousandprotestationsfromthegreatestmenlivingcouldhaveawakenedinhisheart。
WhilethisconversationwaspassinginMr。Pickwick’sroom，alittleoldgentlemaninasuitofsnuff-colouredclothes，followedbyaportercarryingasmallportmanteau，presentedhimselfbelow。andaftersecuringabedforthenight，inquiredofthewaiterwhetheroneMrs。Winklewasstayingthere，towhichquestionthewaiter，ofcourse，respondedintheaffirmative。
Isshealone？inquiredthelittleoldgentleman。
Ibelievesheis，sir，repliedthewaiter。Icancallherownmaid，sir，ifyou——
No，Idon’twanther，saidtheoldgentlemanquickly。Showmetoherroomwithoutannouncingme。
Eh，sir？saidthewaiter。
Areyoudeaf？inquiredthelittleoldgentleman。
No，sir。
Thenlisten，ifyouplease。Canyouhearmenow？
Yes，sir。
That’swell。ShowmetoMrs。Winkle’sroom，withoutannouncingme。
Asthelittleoldgentlemanutteredthiscommand，heslippedfiveshillingsintothewaiter’shand，andlookedsteadilyathim。
Really，sir，saidthewaiter，Idon’tknow，sir，whether——
Ah！you’lldoit，Isee，saidthelittleoldgentleman。Youhadbetterdoitatonce。Itwillsavetime。
Therewassomethingsoverycoolandcollectedinthegentleman’smanner，thatthewaiterputthefiveshillingsinhispocket，andledhimup-stairswithoutanotherword。
Thisistheroom，isit？saidthegentleman。Youmaygo。
Thewaitercomplied，wonderingmuchwhothegentlemancouldbe，andwhathewanted。thelittleoldgentlemanwaitingtillhewasoutofsight，tappedatthedoor。
Comein，saidArabella。
Um，aprettyvoiceatanyrate，murmuredthelittleoldgentleman。
butthat’snothing。Ashesaidthis，heopenedthedoorandwalkedin。
Arabella，whowassittingatwork，roseonbeholdingastranger——alittleconfused——butbynomeansungracefullyso。
Praydon’trise，ma’am，saidtheunknown，walkingin，andclosingthedoorafterhim。Mrs。Winkle，Ibelieve？
Arabellainclinedherhead。
Mrs。NathanielWinkle，whomarriedthesonoftheoldmanatBirmingham？
saidthestranger，eyeingArabellawithvisiblecuriosity。
Again，Arabellainclinedherhead，andlookeduneasilyround，asifuncertainwhethertocallforassistance。
Isurpriseyou，Isee，ma’am，saidtheoldgentleman。
Rather，Iconfess，repliedArabella，wonderingmoreandmore。
I’lltakeachair，ifyou’llallowme，ma’am，saidthestranger。
Hetookone。anddrawingaspectacle-casefromhispocket，leisurelypulledoutapairofspectacles，whichheadjustedonhisnose。
Youdon’tknowme，ma’am？hesaid，lookingsointentlyatArabellathatshebegantofellalarmed。
No，sir，sherepliedtimidly。
No，saidthegentleman，nursinghisleftleg。Idon’tknowhowyoushould。Youknowmyname，though，ma’am。
DoI？saidArabella，trembling，thoughshescarcelyknewwhy。MayIaskwhatitis？
Presently，ma’am，presently，saidthestranger，nothavingyetremovedhiseyesfromhercountenance。Youhavebeenrecentlymarried，ma’am？
Ihave，repliedArabella，inascarcelyaudibletone，layingasideherwork，andbecominggreatlyagitatedasathought，thathadoccurredtoherbefore，struckmoreforciblyuponhermind。
Withouthavingrepresentedtoyourhusbandtheproprietyoffirstconsultinghisfather，onwhomheisdependent，Ithink？saidthestranger。
Arabellaappliedherhandkerchieftohereyes。
Withoutanendeavour，even，toascertain，bysomeindirectappeal，whatweretheoldman’ssentimentsonapointinwhichhewouldnaturallyfeelmuchinterested？saidthestranger。
Icannotdenyit，sir，saidArabella。
Andwithouthavingsufficientpropertyofyourowntoaffordyourhusbandanypermanentassistanceinexchangefortheworldlyadvantageswhichyouknewhewouldhavegainedifhehadmarriedagreeablytohisfather’swishes？
saidtheoldgentleman。Thisiswhattheboysandgirlscalldisinterestedaffection，tilltheyhaveboysandgirlsoftheirown，andthentheyseeitinarougherandverydifferentlight！
Arabella’stearsflowedfast，asshepleadedinextenuationthatshewasyoungandinexperienced。thatherattachmenthadaloneinducedhertotakethesteptowhichshehadresorted。andthatshehadbeendeprivedofthecounselandguidanceofherparentsalmostfrominfancy。
Itwaswrong，saidtheoldgentlemaninamildertone，verywrong。
Itwasfoolish，romantic，unbusiness-like。
Itwasmyfault。allmyfault，sir，repliedpoorArabella，weeping。
Nonsense，saidtheoldgentleman。itwasnotyourfaultthathefellinlovewithyou，Isuppose？Yesitwasthough，saidtheoldgentleman，lookingratherslylyatArabella。Itwasyourfault。Hecouldn’thelpit。
Thislittlecompliment，orthelittlegentleman’soddwayofpayingit，orhisalteredmanner——somuchkinderthanitwas，atfirst——orallthreetogether，forcedasmilefromArabellainthemidstofhertears。
Where’syourhusband？inquiredtheoldgentleman，abruptly。stoppingasmilewhichwasjustcomingoverhisownface。
Iexpecthimeveryinstant，sir，saidArabella。Ipersuadedhimtotakeawalkthismorning。Heisverylowandwretchedatnothavingheardfromhisfather。
Low，ishe？saidtheoldgentleman。Servehimright！
Hefeelsitonmyaccount，Iamafraid，saidArabella。andindeed，sir，Ifeelitdeeplyonhis。Ihavebeenthesolemeansofbringinghimtohispresentcondition。
Don’tminditonhisaccount，mydear，saidtheoldgentleman。Itserveshimright。Iamgladofit——actuallygladofit，asfarasheisconcerned。
Thewordswerescarcelyoutoftheoldgentleman’slips，whenfootstepswereheardascendingthestairs，whichheandArabellaseemedbothtorecogniseatthesamemoment。Thelittlegentlemanturnedpale，andmakingastrongefforttoappearcomposed，stoodup，asMr。Winkleenteredtheroom。
Father！criedMr。Winkle，recoilinginamazement。
Yes，sir，repliedthelittleoldgentleman。Well，sir，whathaveyougottosaytome？
Mr。Winkleremainedsilent。
Youareashamedofyourself，Ihope，sir？saidtheoldgentleman。
StillMr。Winklesaidnothing。
Areyouashamedofyourself，sir，orareyounot？inquiredtheoldgentleman。
No，sir，repliedMr。Winkle，drawingArabella’sarmthroughhis。I
amnotashamedofmyself，orofmywifeeither。
Uponmyword！criedtheoldgentleman，ironically。
Iamverysorrytohavedoneanythingwhichhaslessenedyouraffectionforme，sir，saidMr。Winkle。butIwillsay，atthesametime，thatIhavenoreasontobeashamedofhavingthisladyformywife，noryouofhavingherforadaughter。
Givemeyourhand，Nat，saidtheoldgentlemaninanalteredvoice。
Kissme，mylove。Youareaverycharminglittledaughter-in-lawafterall！
Inafewminutes’timeMr。WinklewentinsearchofMr。Pickwick，andreturningwiththatgentleman，presentedhimtohisfather，whereupontheyshookhandsforfiveminutesincessantly。
Mr。Pickwick，Ithankyoumostheartilyforallyourkindnesstomyson，saidoldMr。Winkle，inabluffstraight-forwardway。Iamahastyfellow，andwhenIsawyoulast，Iwasvexedandtakenbysurprise。Ihavejudgedformyselfnow，andammorethansatisfied。ShallImakeanymoreapologies，Mr。Pickwick？
Notone，repliedthatgentleman。Youhavedonetheonlythingwantingtocompletemyhappiness。
Hereupon，therewasanothershakingofhandsforfiveminuteslonger，accompaniedbyagreatnumberofcomplimentaryspeeches，which，besidesbeingcomplimentary，hadtheadditionalandverynovelrecommendationofbeingsincere。
SamhaddutifullyseenhisfathertotheBelleSauvage，when，onreturning，heencounteredthefatboyinthecourt，whohadbeenchargedwiththedeliveryofanotefromEmilyWardle。
Isay，saidJoe，whowasunusuallyloquacious，whataprettygirlMaryis，isn’tshe？Iamsofondofher，Iam！
Mr。Wellermadenoverbalremarkinreply。buteyeingthefatboyforamoment，quitetransfixedathispresumption，ledhimbythecollartothecorner，anddismissedhimwithaharmlessbutceremoniouskick。Afterwhich，hewalkedhome，whistling。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter57[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIIINWHICHTHEPICKWICKCLUBISFINALLYDISSOLVED，ANDEVERYTHINGCONCLUDEDTOTHESATISFACTIONOFEVERYBODY
FORawholeweekafterthehappyarrivalofMr。
WinklefromBirmingham，Mr。PickwickandSamWellerwerefromhomealldaylong，onlyreturningjustintimefordinner，andthenwearinganairofmysteryandimportancequiteforeigntotheirnatures。Itwasevidentthatverygraveandeventfulproceedingswereonfoot。butvarioussurmiseswereafloat，respectingtheirprecisecharacter。SomeamongwhomwasMr。
TupmanweredisposedtothinkthatMr。Pickwickcontemplatedamatrimonialalliance。butthisideatheladiesmoststrenuouslyrepudiated。Others，ratherinclinedtothebeliefthathehadprojectedsomedistanttour，andwasatpresentoccupiedineffectingthepreliminaryarrangements。
butthisagainwasstoutlydeniedbySamhimself，whohadunequivocallystatedwhencross-examinedbyMarythatnonewjourneysweretobeundertaken。
Atlength，whenthebrainsofthewholepartyhadbeenrackedforsixlongdays，byunavailingspeculation，itwasunanimouslyresolvedthatMr。Pickwickshouldbecalledupontoexplainhisconduct，andtostatedistinctlywhyhehadthusabsentedhimselffromthesocietyofhisadmiringfriends。
Withthisview，Mr。WardleinvitedthefullcircletodinnerattheAdelphi。and，thedecantershavingbeentwicesentround，openedthebusiness。
Weareallanxioustoknow，saidtheoldgentleman，whatwehavedonetooffendyou，andtoinduceyoutodesertusanddevoteyourselftothesesolitarywalks。
Areyou？saidMr。Pickwick。ItissingularenoughthatIhadintendedtovolunteerafullexplanationthisveryday。so，ifyouwillgivemeanotherglassofwine，Iwillsatisfyyourcuriosity。
Thedecanterspassedfromhandtohandwithunwontedbriskness，andMr。Pickwicklookingroundonthefacesofhisfriends，withacheerfulsmile，proceeded：
Allthechangesthathavetakenplaceamongus，saidMr。Pickwick，Imeanthemarriagethathastakenplace，andthemarriagethatwilltakeplace，withthechangestheyinvolve，rendereditnecessaryformetothink，soberlyandatonce，uponmyfutureplans。IdeterminedonretiringtosomequietprettyneighbourhoodinthevicinityofLondon。
Isawahousewhichexactlysuitedmyfancy。Ihavetakenitandfurnishedit。Itisfullypreparedformyreception，andIintendenteringuponitatonce，trustingthatImayyetlivetospendmanyquietyearsinpeacefulretirement，cheeredthroughlifebythesocietyofmyfriends，andfollowedindeathbytheiraffectionateremembrance。
HereMr。Pickwickpaused，andalowmurmurranroundthetable。
ThehouseIhavetaken，saidMr。Pickwick，isatDulwich。Ithasalargegarden，andissituatedinoneofthemostpleasantspotsnearLondon。Ithasbeenfitteduponwitheveryattentiontosubstantialcomfort。
perhapstoalittleelegancebesides。butofthatyoushalljudgeforyourselves。
Samaccompaniesmethere。Ihaveengaged，onPerker’srepresentation，ahousekeeper——averyoldone——andsuchotherservantsasshethinksIshallrequire。Iproposetoconsecratethislittleretreat，byhavingaceremonyinwhichItakeagreatinterest，performedthere。Iwish，ifmyfriendWardleentertainsnoobjection，thathisdaughtershouldbemarriedfrommynewhouse，onthedayItakepossessionofit。Thehappinessofyoungpeople，saidMr。Pickwick，alittlemoved，haseverbeenthechiefpleasureofmylife。Itwillwarmmyhearttowitnessthehappinessofthosefriendswhoaredearesttome，beneathmyownroof。
Mr。Pickwickpausedagain：EmilyandArabellasobbedaudibly。
Ihavecommunicated，bothpersonallyandbyletter，withtheclub，
resumedMr。Pickwick，acquaintingthemwithmyintention。Duringourlongabsence，ithadsufferedmuchfrominternaldissensions。andthewithdrawalofmyname，coupledwiththisandothercircumstances，hasoccasioneditsdissolution。ThePickwickClubexistsnolonger。
Ishallneverregret，saidMr。Pickwickinalowvoice，Ishallneverregrethavingdevotedthegreaterpartoftwoyearstomixingwithdifferentvarietiesandshadesofhumancharacter：frivolousasmypursuitofnoveltymayhaveappearedtomany。Nearlythewholeofmypreviouslifehavingbeendevotedtobusinessandthepursuitofwealth，numerousscenesofwhichIhadnopreviousconceptionhavedawneduponme——Ihopetotheenlargementofmymind，andtheimprovementofmyunderstanding。IfIhavedonebutlittlegood，ItrustIhavedonelessharm，andthatnoneofmyadventureswillbeotherthanasourceofamusingandpleasantrecollectiontomeinthedeclineoflife。Godblessall！
Withthesewords，Mr。Pickwickfilledanddrainedabumperwithatremblinghand，andhiseyesmoistenedashisfriendsrosewithoneaccord，andpledgedhimfromtheirhearts。
TherewereveryfewpreparatoryarrangementstobemadeforthemarriageofMr。Snodgrass。Ashehadneitherfathernormother，andhadbeeninhisminorityawardofMr。Pickwick’s，thatgentlemanwasperfectlywellacquaintedwithhispossessionsandprospects。HisaccountofbothwasquitesatisfactorytoWardle——asalmostanyotheraccountwouldhavebeen，forthegoodoldgentlemanwasoverflowingwithhilarityandkindness——andahandsomeportionhavingbeenbestoweduponEmily，themarriagewasfixedtotakeplaceonthefourthdayfromthattime：thesuddennessofwhichpreparationsreducedthreedressmakersandatailortotheextremevergeofinsanity。
Gettingpost-horsestothecarriage，oldWardlestartedoff，nextday，tobringhismotheruptotown。Communicatinghisintelligencetotheoldladywithcharacteristicimpetuosity，sheinstantlyfaintedaway。butbeingpromptlyrevived，orderedthebrocadedsilkgowntobepackedupforthwith，andproceededtorelatesomecircumstancesofasimilarnatureattendingthemarriageoftheeldestdaughterofLadyTollimglower，deceased，whichoccupiedthreehoursintherecital，andwerenothalffinishedatlast。
Mrs。TrundlehadtobeinformedofallthemightypreparationsthatweremakinginLondon，andbeinginadelicatestateofhealthwasinformedthereofthroughMr。Trundle，lestthenewsshouldbetoomuchforher。
butitwasnottoomuchforher，inasmuchassheatoncewroteofftoMuggleton，toorderanewcapandablacksatingown，andmoreoveravowedherdeterminationofbeingpresentattheceremony。Hereupon，Mr。Trundlecalledinthedoctor，andthedoctorsaidMrs。Trundleoughttoknowbesthowshefeltherself，towhichMrs。Trundlerepliedthatshefeltherselfquiteequaltoit，andthatshehadmadeuphermindtogo。uponwhichthedoctor，whowasawiseanddiscreetdoctor，andknewwhatwasgoodforhimselfaswellasforotherpeople，saidthatperhapsifMrs。Trundlestoppedathomeshemighthurtherselfmorebyfretting，thanbygoing，soperhapsshehadbettergo。Andshedidgo。thedoctorwithgreatattentionsendinginhalfadozenofmedicine，tobedrunkupontheroad。
Inadditiontothesepointsofdistraction，Wardlewasintrustedwithtwosmallletterstotwosmallyoungladieswhoweretoactasbridesmaids。
uponthereceiptofwhich，thetwoyoungladiesweredriventodespairbyhavingnothingsreadyforsoimportantanoccasion，andnotimetomakethemin——acircumstancewhichappearedtoaffordthetwoworthypapasofthetwosmallyoungladiesratherafeelingofsatisfactionthanotherwise。
However，oldfrocksweretrimmed，andnewbonnetsmade，andtheyoungladieslookedaswellascouldpossiblyhavebeenexpectedofthem。Andastheycriedatthesubsequentceremonyintheproperplaces，andtrembledattherighttimes，theyacquittedthemselvestotheadmirationofallbeholders。
HowthetwopoorrelationseverreachedLondon——whethertheywalked，orgotbehindcoaches，orprocuredliftsinwagons，orcarriedeachotherbyturns——isuncertain。buttheretheywere，beforeWardle。andtheveryfirstpeoplethatknockedatthedoorofMr。Pickwick’shouse，onthebridalmorningwerethetwopoorrelations，allsmilesandshirtcollar。
Theywerewelcomedheartilythough，forrichesorpovertyhadnoinfluenceonMr。Pickwick。thenewservantswereallalacrityandreadiness。Samwasinamostunrivalledstateofhighspiritsandexcitement。Marywasglowingwithbeautyandsmartribands。
Thebridegroom，whohadbeenstayingatthehousefortwoorthreedaysprevious，salliedforthgallantlytoDulwichchurchtomeetthebride，attendedbyMr。Pickwick，BenAllen，BobSawyer，andMr。Tupman。withSamWelleroutside，havingathisbutton-holeawhitefavour，thegiftofhisladylove，andcladinanewandgorgeoussuitofliveryinventedfortheoccasion。TheyweremetbytheWardles，andtheWinkles，andthebrideandbridesmaids，andtheTrundles。andtheceremonyhavingbeenperformed，thecoachesrattledbacktoMr。Pickwick’stobreakfast，wherelittleMr。
Perkeralreadyawaitedthem。
Here，allthelightcloudsofthemoresolemnpartoftheproceedingspassedaway。everyfaceshoneforthjoyously。nothingwastobeheardbutcongratulationsandcommendations。Everythingwassobeautiful！Thelawninfront，thegardenbehind，theminiatureconservatory，thedining-room，thedrawing-room，thebed-rooms，thesmoking-room，andaboveallthestudywithitspicturesandeasychairs，andoddcabinets，andqueertables，andbooksoutofnumber，withalargecheerfulwindowopeninguponapleasantlawnandcommandingaprettylandscape，dottedhereandtherewithlittlehousesalmosthiddenbythetrees。andthenthecurtains，andthecarpets，andthechairs，andthesofas！Everythingwassobeautiful，socompact，soneat，andinsuchexquisitetaste，saideverybody，thattherereallywasnodecidingwhattoadmiremost。
Andinthemidstofallthis，stoodMr。Pickwick，hiscountenancelightedupwithsmiles，whichtheheartofnoman，woman，orchild，couldresist：
himselfthehappiestofthegroup：shakinghands，overandoveragainwiththesamepeople，andwhenhisownhandswerenotsoemployed，rubbingthemwithpleasure：turningroundinadifferentdirectionateveryfreshexpressionofgratificationorcuriosity，andinspiringeverybodywithhislooksofgladnessanddelight。
Breakfastisannounced。Mr。PickwickleadstheoldladywhohasbeenveryeloquentonthesubjectofLadyTollimglower，tothetopofalongtable。Wardletakesthebottom。thefriendsarrangethemselvesoneitherside。Samtakeshisstationbehindhismaster’schair。thelaughterandtalkingcease。Mr。Pickwick，havingsaidgrace，pausesforaninstant，andlooksroundhim。Ashedoesso，thetearsrolldownhischeeks，inthefulnessofhisjoy。
Letusleaveouroldfriendinoneofthosemomentsofunmixedhappiness，ofwhich，ifweseekthem，thereareeversome，tocheerourtransitoryexistencehere。Therearedarkshadowsontheearth，butitslightsarestrongerinthecontrast。Somemen，likebatsorowls，havebettereyesforthedarknessthanforthelight。We，whohavenosuchopticalpowers，arebetterpleasedtotakeourlastpartinglookatthevisionarycompanionsofmanysolitaryhours，whenthebriefsunshineoftheworldisblazingfulluponthem。
Itisthefateofmostmenwhominglewiththeworld，andattaineventheprimeoflife，tomakemanyrealfriends，andlosetheminthecourseofnature。Itisthefateofallauthorsorchroniclerstocreateimaginaryfriends，andlosetheminthecourseofart。Noristhisthefullextentoftheirmisfortunes。fortheyarerequiredtofurnishanaccountofthembesides。
Incompliancewiththiscustom——unquestionablyabadone——wesubjoinafewbiographicalwords，inrelationtothepartyatMr。Pickwick’sassembled。
Mr。andMrs。Winkle，beingfullyreceivedintofavourbytheoldgentleman，wereshortlyafterwardsinstalledinanewly-builthouse，nothalfamilefromMr。Pickwick’s。Mr。Winkle，beingengagedintheCityasagentortowncorrespondentofhisfather，exchangedhisoldcostumefortheordinarydressofEnglishmen，andpresentedalltheexternalappearanceofacivilisedChristianeverafterwards。
Mr。andMrs。SnodgrasssettledatDingleyDell，wheretheypurchasedandcultivatedasmallfarm，moreforoccupationthanprofit。Mr。Snodgrass，beingoccasionallyabstractedandmelancholy，istothisdayreputedagreatpoetamonghisfriendsandacquaintance，althoughwedonotfindthathehaseverwrittenanythingtoencouragethebelief。Therearemanycelebratedcharacters，literary，philosophical，andotherwise，whoholdahighreputationonasimilartenure。
Mr。Tupman，whenhisfriendsmarried，andMr。Pickwicksettled，tooklodgingsatRichmond，wherehehaseversinceresided。HewalksconstantlyontheTerraceduringthesummermonths，withayouthfulandjauntyairwhichhasrenderedhimtheadmirationofthenumerouselderlyladiesofsinglecondition，whoresideinthevicinity。Hehasneverproposedagain。
Mr。BobSawyer，havingpreviouslypassedthroughtheGazette，passedovertoBengal，accompaniedbyMr。BenjaminAllen。bothgentlemenhavingreceivedsurgicalappointmentsfromtheEastIndiaCompany。Theyeachhadtheyellowfeverfourteentimes，andthenresolvedtotryalittleabstinence。
sincewhichperiod，theyhavebeendoingwell。
Mrs。Bardellletlodgingstomanyconversablesinglegentlemen，withgreatprofit，butneverbroughtanymoreactionsforbreakofpromiseofmarriage。Herattorneys，Messrs。DodsonandFogg，continueinbusiness，fromwhichtheyrealisealargeincome，andinwhichtheyareuniversallyconsideredamongthesharpestofthesharp。
SamWellerkepthisword，andremainedunmarried，fortwoyears。Theoldhousekeeperdyingattheendofthattime，Mr。PickwickpromotedMarytothesituation，onconditionofhermarryingMr。Welleratonce，whichshedidwithoutamurmur。Fromthecircumstanceoftwosturdylittleboyshavingbeenrepeatedlyseenatthegateofthebackgarden，thereisreasontosupposethatSamhassomefamily。
TheelderMr。Wellerdroveacoachfortwelvemonths，butbeingafflictedwiththegout，wascompelledtoretire。Thecontentsofthepocket-bookhadbeensowellinvestedforhim，however，byMr。Pickwick，thathehadahandsomeindependencetoretireon，uponwhichhestilllivesatanexcellentpublic-housenearShooter’sHill，whereheisquitereverencedasanoracle：
boastingverymuchofhisintimacywithMr。Pickwick，andretainingamostunconquerableaversiontowidows。
Mr。Pickwickhimselfcontinuedtoresideinhisnewhouse，employinghisleisurehoursinarrangingthememorandawhichheafterwardspresentedtothesecretaryoftheoncefamousclub，orinhearingSamWellerreadaloud，withsuchremarksassuggestedthemselvestohismind，whichneverfailedtoaffordMr。Pickwickgreatamusement。Hewasmuchtroubledatfirst，bythenumerousapplicationsmadetohimbyMr。Snodgrass，Mr。Winkle，andMr。Trundle，toactasgodfathertotheiroffspring。buthehasbecomeusedtoitnow，andofficiatesasamatterofcourse。HeneverhadoccasiontoregrethisbountytoMr。Jingle。forboththatpersonandJobTrotterbecame，intime，worthymembersofsociety，althoughtheyhavealwayssteadilyobjectedtoreturntothescenesoftheiroldhauntsandtemptations。Mr。
Pickwickissomewhatinfirmnow。butheretainsallhisformerjuvenilityofspirit，andmaystillbefrequentlyseen，contemplatingthepicturesintheDulwichGallery，orenjoyingawalkaboutthepleasantneighbourhoodonafineday。Heisknownbyallthepoorpeopleabout，whoneverfailtotaketheirhatsoff，ashepasses，withgreatrespect。Thechildrenidolisehim，andsoindeeddoesthewholeneighbourhood。Everyyear，herepairstoalargefamilymerry-makingatMr。Wardle’s。onthis，asonalloccasions，heisinvariablyattendedbythefaithfulSam，betweenwhomandhismasterthereexistsasteadyandreciprocalattachmentwhichnothingbutdeathwillterminate。
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