Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/676

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" My one room," replied that much-injured gentleman, " was on the Coffee Room flight."

part of the establishment."
 * ' Oh, indeed ! " said Dodson. '^ I believe that is a very pleasant

"Very," replied Mr. Pickwick drily.

There was a coolness about all this, which to a gentleman of an excitable temperament had, under the circumstances, rather an exaspe- rating tendency. Mr. Pickwick restrained his wrath by gigantic efforts, but when Perker wrote a cheque for the whole amount, and Fogg deposited it in a small pocket-book, with a triumphant smile playing over his pimply features, which communicated itself likewise to the stern countenance of Dodson, he felt the blood in his cheeks tingling with indignation.

drawing on his gloves, '' I am at your service."
 * ' Now Mr. Dodson," said Fogg, putting up the pocket-book and

" Very good," said Dodson, rising, '^I am quite ready." " I am very happy," said Fogg, softened by the cheque, " to have had the pleasure of making Mr. Pickwick's acquaintance, I hope you don't think quite so badly of us, Mr. Pickwick, as when we first had the pleasure of seeing you."

virtue. "^Mr. Pickwick now knows us better, I trust; whatever your opinion of gentlemen of our profession may be, I beg to assure you. Sir, that I bear no ill-will or vindictive feeling towards you for the sentiments you thought proper to express in our office in Freeman's Court, Cornhill, on the occasion to which my partner has referred," " Oh no, no ; nor I," said Fogg, in a most forgiving manner. itself I hope, upon every occasion. We have been in the profession, some years, Mr. Pickwick, and have been honoured with the confidence of many excellent clients. I wish you good morning, Sir."
 * ' I hope not," said Dodson, with the high tone of calumniated
 * ^ Our conduct. Sir," said Dodson, " will speak for itself, and justify

his umbrella under his arm, drew off his right glove, and extended the hand of reconciliation to that most indignant gentleman, who there- upon thrust his hands beneath his coat tails, and eyed the attorney with looks of scornful amazement.
 * ' Good morning, Mr, Pickwick," said Fogg; and so saying he put

" Wait one instant," said Mr, Pickwick, " Perker, I will speak." " My dear Sir, pray let the matter rest where it is," said the little attorney, who had been in a state of nervous apprehension during the whole interview ; " Mr. Pickwick, I beg — "
 * ^ Lowten ! " cried Perker at this moment, " open the door,"

'' I will not be put down. Sir," replied Mr. Pickwick hastily* Dodson turned round, bent his head meekly, and smiled. " Some remarks to me," repeated Mr. Pickwick, almost breathless, "and your partner has tendered me his hand, and you have both as- sumed a tone of forgiveness and high-mindedness, which is an extent of impudence that I was not prepared for, even in you."
 * Mr. Dodson, you have addressed some remarks to me."
 * ' What, Sir ! " exclaimed Dodson.
 * ' What, Sir ! " reiterated Fogg.