Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/708

598 598 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF

" Just the wery thing, to be sure," said Mr. Weller, brightening up ; '' 0* course you can. Sir."

'' Say no more about it," said Mr, Pickwick, locking the pocket-book in his desk ; " I am heartily obliged to you, my good friend. Now sit down again ; I want to ask your advice."

The internal laughter occasioned by the triumphant success of his visit, which had convulsed not only Mr. Weller's face, but his arms, legs, and body also, during the locking up of the pocket-book, suddenly gave place to the most dignified gravity as he heard these words.

" Wait outside a few minutes, Sam, will you? '' said Mr. Pickwick.

Sam immediately withdrew.

Mr. Weller looked uncommonly wise and very much amazed, when Mr. Pickwick opened the discourse by saying —

" You are not an advocate for matrimony, I think, Mr. Weller? "

Mr. Weller shook his head. He was wholly unable to speak ; for vague thoughts of some wicked widow having been successful in her designs upon Mr. Pickwick, choked his utterance.

" Did you happen to see a young girl down stairs when you came in just now with your son ? " enquired Mr. Pickwick.

" Yes — I see a young gal," replied Mr. Weller, shortly.

you think of her ? "
 * 'What did you think of her, now? — Candidly, Mr. Weller, what did

" I thought she wos wery plump, and veil made," said Mr. Weller, with a critical air.

" So she is," said Mr. Pickwick, "so she is. What did you think of her manners, from what you saw of her? "

"Wery pleasant," rejoined Mr. Weller. "Wery pleasant and con- formable."

The precise meaning which Mr. Weller attached to this last mentioned adjective did not appear, but as it was evident from the tone in which he used it that it was a favourable expression, Mr. Pickwick was as well satisfied as if he had been thoroughly enlightened on the subject.


 * ' I take a great interest in her, Mr. Weller," said Mr. Pickwick.

Mr. Weller coughed.

" I mean an interest in her doing well," resumed Mr. Pickwick ; " a desire that she may be comfortable and prosperous. You understand?"

" Wery clearly," replied Mr. Weller, who understood nothing yet.

^* That young person," said Mr. Pickwick, " is attached to your son."

'* To Samivel Veller ! " exclaimed the parent.

" Yes," said Mr. Pickwick.

" It's nat'ral," said Mr. Weller, after some consideration, " nat'ral, but rayther alarmin'. Sammy must be careful."

" How do you mean?" enquired Mr. Pickwick.

" Wery careful that he don't say nothin' to her," responded Mr. Weller. " Wery careful that he ain't led avay in a innocent moment to say anythin' as may lead to a conwiction for breach. You're never safe vith 'em, Mr. Pickwick, ven they vunce has designs on you ; there's no knowin' vere to have 'em, and vile you're a-considering of it