Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/698

590 590 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF

All three were habited in strict holiday costume; that is to say, they were wrapped up to the chins, and wore as many clothes as possible, which is, and has been, a stage-coachman's idea of full dress ever since stage-coaches were invented.

Mr. Pell was waiting at the usual place of meeting at the appointed time ; and even he wore a pair of gloves and a clean shirt, the latter much frayed at the collar and wristbands by frequent washings.

"A quarter to two," said Pell, looking at the parlour clock. ^'If we are with Mr. Flasher at a quarter past, we shall just hit the best time."

'' What should you say to a drop o' beer, genl'men ?" suggested the mottled-faced man,

" And a little bit o' cold beef,'' said the second coachman.

" Or a oyster," added the third, who was a hoarse gentleman, sup- ported by very round legs.

coming into possession of his property : eh ? ha ! ha ! "
 * ' Hear, hear!" said Pell; *^to congratulate Mr. Weller, on his

" I'm quite agreeable, gen'l'men," answered Mr. Weller. '* Sammy, pull the bell."

Sam complied ; and the porter, cold beef, and oysters being promptly produced, the lunch was done ample justice to. Where everybody took so active a part, it is almost invidious to make a distinction ; but if one individual evinced greater powers than another, it was the coachman with the hoarse voice, who took an imperial pint of vinegar with his oysters, without betraying the least emotion.

" Mr. Pell, Sir," said the elder Mr. Weller, stirring a glass of brandy and water, of which one was placed before every gentleman when the oyster shells were removed ; ''Mr. Pell, Sir, it wos my in- tention to have proposed the funs on this occasion, but Samivel has vispered to me — "

Here Mr. Samuel Weller, who had silently eat his oysters with tranquil smiles, cried *' Hear ! " in a very loud voice.

<f Has vispered to me," resumed his father, " that it vouldbe better

to de-wote the liquor to vishin' you success and prosperity; and thankin you for the manner in which you've brought this here busi- ness through. Here's your health, Sir."

" Hold hard there," interposed the mottled-faced gentleman, with sudden energy, " your eyes on me, genTmen."

Saying this, the mottled-faced gentleman rose, as did the other gen- tlemen. The mottled-faced gentleman reviewed the company, and slowly raised his hand, upon which every man (including he of the mottled countenance) drew a long breath, and lifted his tumbler to his lips. In one instant the mottled-faced gentleman depressed his hand again, and every glass was set down empty. It is impossible to de- scribe the thrilling effect produced by this striking ceremony ; at once dignified, solemn, and impressive, it combined every element of gran- deur.

" Well, gentlemen," said Mr. Pell, '' all I can say is, that such marks of confidence must be very gratifying to a professional man. I don't wish to say anything that might appear egotistical, gentlemen,