Full of reflections upon this important decision, he crept from his

place of concealment, and, under cover of the shrubs before

mentioned, approached the house. Fortune seemed determined to

favour his design. Mr Tupman and the rest of the gentlemen left the

garden by the side gate just as he obtained a view of it; and the young

ladies, he knew, had walked out alone, soon after breakfast. The coast

was clear.

The breakfast-parlour door was partially open. He peeped in. The

spinster aunt was knitting. He coughed; she looked up and smiled.

Hesitation formed no part of Mr Alfred Jingle's character. He laid his

finger on his lips mysteriously, walked in, and closed the door.

'Miss Wardle,' said Mr Jingle, with affected earnestness, 'forgive

intrusion - short acquaintance - no time for ceremony -

discovered.'

all

Sir!' said the spinster aunt, rather astonished by the unexpected

apparition and somewhat doubtful of Mr Jingle's sanity.

Hush!' said Mr Jingle, in a stage-whisper - 'Large boy - dumpling face

round eyes - rascal!' Here he shook his head expressively, and the

spinster aunt trembled with agitation.

I presume you allude to Joseph, Sir?' said the lady, making an effort

to appear composed.

Yes, ma'am - damn that Joe! - treacherous dog, Joe - told the old lady

old lady furious - wild - raving - arbour - Tupman - kissing and

hugging - all that sort of thing - eh, ma'am - eh?'

Mr Jingle,' said the spinster aunt, 'if you come here, Sir, to insult me

Not at all - by no means,' replied the unabashed Mr Jingle -

overheard the tale - came to warn you of your danger - tender my

services - prevent the hubbub. Never mind - think it an insult - leave

the room' - and he turned, as if to carry the threat into execution.

What SHALL I do!' said the poor spinster, bursting into tears. 'My

brother will be furious.'

Of course he will,' said Mr Jingle pausing - 'outrageous.' 'Oh, Mr

Jingle, what CAN I say!' exclaimed the spinster aunt, in another flood

of despair.

'Say he dreamt it,' replied Mr Jingle coolly.

The Pickwick Papers