Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/616

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personally when he hadn't a tooth in his head ; to say nothing of her presence on the first occasion of his having his hair cut, and assistance at numerous other times and ceremonies during his babyhood, of suffi- cient importance to found a claim upon his affection, obedience, and sympathies, for ever.

While the good lady was bestowing this objurgation on Mr. Ben Allen, Bob Sawyer and Mr. Pickwick had retired in close conversation to the inner room, where the former gentleman was observed to apply himself several times to the mouth of a black bottle, under the influence of which, his features gradually assumed a cheerful and even jovial expres- sion. And at last he emerged from the room, bottle in hand, and remarking that he was very sorry to ^ay he had been making a fool of himself, begged to propose the health and happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Winkle, whose felicity, so far from envying, he would be the first to congratulate them upon. Hearing this, Mr. Ben Allen suddenly arose from his chair, and seizing the black bottle drank the toast so heartily, that, the liquor being strong, he became nearly as black in the face as the bottle itself. Finally the black bottle went round till it was empty, and there was so much shaking of hands and interchanging of com- plements, that even the metal- visaged Mr. Martin condescended to smile.

" And now," said Bob Sawyer, rubbing his hands, '' we '11 have a jolly night."

" [ am sorry," said Mr. Pickwick, " that I must return to my inn. I have not been accustomed to fatigue lately, and my journey has tired me exceedingly.''

" You '11 take some tea, Mr. Pickwick ? " said the old lady, with ir- resistible sweetness.

" Thank you, I would rather not," replied that gentleman. The truth is, that the old lady's evidently increasing admiration was Mr. Pickwick's principal inducement for going. He thought of Mrs. Bar- dell. and every glance of the old lady's eyes threw him into a cold perspiration.

As Mr. Pickwick could by no means be prevailed upon to stay, it was arranged at once, on his own proposition, that Mr. Benjamin Allen should accompany him on his journey to the elder Mr. Winkle's, and that the coach should be at the door at nine o'clock next morning. He then took his leave, and, followed by Samuel Weller, repaired to the Bush. It is worthy of remark, that Mr. Martin's face was hor- ril)ly convulsed as he shook hands with Sam at parting, and that he gave vent to a smile and an oath simultaneously, from which tokens it has been inferred by those who were best acquainted with that gentle- man's peculiarities that he expressed himself much pleased with Mr. Weller's society, and requested the honor of his further acquaintance.

" Shall I order a private room. Sir ? " inquired Sam, when they reached the Bush.

" Why, no, Sam," replied Mr. Pickwick ; ^' as I dined in the coffee room, and shall go to bed soon, it is hardly worth while. See who there is in the traveller's room, Sam."

Mr. Weller departed on his errand, and presently returned to say