Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/342

272 272 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF

" / think two witnesses would be more lawful," said Mrs. Senders, who, like the other friend, was bursting- with curiosity.

'^ Perhaps, he'd better come in here," said Mrs. Bardell.

" To be sure," replied Mrs. Cluppins, eagerly catching- at the idea — " Walk in, young- man ; and shut the street door first, please."

Mr.Weller immediately took the hint ; and presenting himself in the parlour, explained his business to Mrs. Bardell, thus —

" Wery sorry to 'casion any personal inconwenience, Ma'am, as the housebreaker said to the old lady vhen he put her on the fire; but as me and my governor's only just come to town, and is just going away agin, it can't be helped you see."

" Of course, the young man can't help the faults of his master," said Mrs. Cluppins, much struck by Mr. Weller's appearance and conver- sation.

'^ Certainly not," chimed in Mrs. Sanders, who, from certain wistful glances at the little tin sauce-pan, seemed to be engaged in a mental calculation of the probable extent of the pettitoes, in the event of Sam's being asked to stop supper.

" So all I've come about, is just this here," said Sam, disregarding the interruption-—" First, to give my governor's notice — there it is. Secondly, to pay the rent — here it is. Thirdly, to say as all his things is to be put together, and given to any body as we sends for 'em. Fourthly, that you may lee the place as soon as you like — and that's all."

" Whatever has happened," said Mrs. Bardell, " I always have said and always will say, that in every respect but one, Mr. Pickwick has always behaved himself like a perfect gentleman. His money always was as good as the bank — always."

As Mrs. Bardell said this, she applied her handkerchief to her eyes, and went out of the room to get the receipt.

Sam well knew that he had only to remain quiet, and the women were sure to talk, so he looked alternately at the tin saucepan, the toasted cheese, the wall, and the ceiling, in profound silence.

''■ Poor dear!" said Mrs. Cluppins.

" Ah, poor thing!" replied Mrs. Sanders.

Sara said nothing. He saw they were coming to the subject.

" I raly cannot contain myself," said Mrs. Cluppins, " when I think of such perjury. I don't wish to say anything to make you uncomfortable, young man, but your master's an old brute, and I wish 1 had him here to tell him so."

" 1 vish you had," said Sam.

no pleasure in nothing, except when her friends comes in, out of charity, to sit with her, and make her comfortable," resumed Mrs. Cluppins, glancing at the tin saucepan and the Dutch oven, " it's shocking."
 * ' To see how dreadful she takes on, going moping about, and taking

" Barbareous," said Mrs. Sanders. .

never feel the expense of a wife, no more than nothing," continued Mrs. Cluppins, with great volubility; " why there ain't the faintest s^hade of an excuse for his behaviour. Why don't he marry her?"
 * ' And your master, young man, a gentleman with money, as could

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