Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/448

366 866 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF

Susannah Sanders was then called, and examined by Sergeant Buz- fuz, and cross-examined by Serg-eant Snubbin. Had always said and believed that Mr. Pickwick would marry Mrs. Bardell ; knew that Mrs. Bardell's being engaged to Mr. Pickwick was the current topic of con- versation in the neighbourhood, after the fainting in July ; had been told it herself by Mrs. Mudberry which kept a mangle, and Mrs. Bun- kin which clear-starched, but did not see either Mrs. Mudberry or Mrs. Bunkin in court. Had heard Mr. Pickwick ask the little boy how he should like to have another father. Did not know that Mrs. Bardell was at that time keeping company with the baker, but did know that the baker was then a single man and is now married. Couldn't swear that Mrs. Bardell was not very fond of the baker, but should think that the baker was not very fond of Mrs. Bardell, or he wouldn't have married somebody else. Thought Mrs. Bardell fainted away on the morning in July, because Mr. Pickwick asked her to name the day; knew that she (witness) fainted away stone dead when Mr. Sanders asked her to name the day, and believed that every body as called her- self a lady vv^ould do the same, under similar circumstances. Heard Mr. Pickwick ask the boy the question about the marbles, but upon her oath did not know the difference between an alley tor and a commoney.

By the Court — During the period of her keeping company with Mr. Sanders had received love letters, like other ladies. In the course of their correspondence Mr. Sanders had often called her a *' duck " but never " chops " or " tomata sauce." He was particularly fond of ducks. Perhaps if he had been as fond of chops and tomata sauce, he might have called her that, as a term of affection.

Sergeant Buzfuz now rose with more importance than he had yet exhibited, if that were possible, and vociferated " Call Samuel Weller."

It was quite unnecessary to call Samuel Weller, for Samuel Weller stepped briskly into the box the instant his name was pronounced ; and placing his hat on the floor, and his arms on the rail, took a bird's- eye view of the bar, and a comprehensive survey of the bench with a remarkably cheerful and lively aspect.

"What's your name. Sir? " enquired the Judge.

" Sam Weller, my Lord," replied that gentleman.

" Do you spell it with a ' V ' or a '^ W ? ' " enquired the Judge.

" That depends upon the taste and fancy of the speller, ray Lord," re- plied Sam, " I never had occasion to spell it more than once or twice in my life, but I spells it with a ' V. '"

Here a voice in the gallery exclaimed aloud, " Quite right too, Sami- vel ; quite right. Put it down a we, my Lord, put it down a we."

" Who is that, that dares to address the Court ? " said the little Judg^^ looking up, " Usher."

" Yes, my Lord."

" Bring that person here instantly."

" Yes, my Lord."

But as the usher didn't find the person, he didn't bring him ; and,