Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/302

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2;iG POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OP

'•^ Sam," said Mr. Pickwick, suddenly appearing- before him, " Where's ■ iTT-v hed-room ?"

.Mr. VVeller stared at his master with the most emphatic surprise ; and it was not until the question had been repeated three several times, that he turned round, and led the way to the long-sought apartment.

" Sam," said Mr. Pickwick as he g"ot into bed. " I have made one of the most extraordinary mistakes to-nig-ht, that ever were heard of." ' " Wery likely. Sir," replied Mr. Weller drily.

'* But of this I am determined, Sara," said Mr. Pickwick ; " that if 1 were to stop in this house for six months, I would never trust my- self about it, alone, again."

' << 'J'hat's the wery prudentest resolution as you could come to, Sir," replied Mr. Weller. *' You rayther want somebody to look arter you Sir, ven your judgment goes out a wisitin'."

" What do you mean by that, Sam ? " said Mr. Pickwick. He raised himself in bed, and extended his hand, as if he were about to say some- thing- more ; but suddenly checking- himself, turned round, and bade his yalet " Good night.*'

" Good night. Sir," replied Mr. Weller. He paused when he got outside the door — shook his head — walked on — stopped — snuffed the candle — shook his head again — and finally proceeded slowly tj his chamber, apparently buried in the profoundest meditation.

CHAPTER XXHI.

IN WHICH MR. SAMUEL WELLER BEGINS TO DEVOTE HIS ENERGIES TO THE RETURN MATCH BETWEEN HIMSELF AND MR. TROTTER.

In a small room in the vicinity of the stable-yard, betimes in the morning, which was ushered in by Mr. Pickwick's adventure with the middle-aged lady in the yellow curl-papers, sat Mr. Weller senior, pre- paring himself for his journey to London. He was sitting in an excel- lent attitude for having his portrait taken ; and here it is.

It is very possible that at some earlier period of his career, Mr. Weller's profile might have presented a bold, and determined outline. His face, however, had expanded under the influence of good living, and a disposition remarkable for resignation ; and its bold fleshy curves had so far extended beyond the limits originally assigned them, that unless you took a full view of his countenance in front, it was difficult to distinguish more than the extreme tip of a very rubicund nose. His chin, from the same cause, had acquired the grave and imposing form which is generally described by prefixing the word " double" to K that expressive feature, and his complexion exhibited that peculiarly mottled combination of colours which is only to be seen in gentlemen of his profession, and underdone roast beef. ■ Round his heck he wore a crimson travelling shawl, which merged into his chin by such imper-