| 150 | 151 | 152 | 153 | 154 |
| 1 | 198 | 396 | 594 | 792 |
|
'
Oh, Mr Pickwick,' said Mrs. Bardell, trembling with agitation, 'you're
very kind, sir.'
'
It'll save you a good deal of trouble, won't it?' said Mr Pickwick. 'Oh, I
never thought anything of the trouble, sir,' replied Mrs. Bardell; 'and,
of course, I should take more trouble to please you then, than ever;
but it is so kind of you, Mr Pickwick, to have so much consideration
for my loneliness.'
'
Ah, to be sure,' said Mr Pickwick; 'I never thought of that. When I am
in town, you'll always have somebody to sit with you. To be sure, so
you will.'
'
'
'
'
I am sure I ought to be a very happy woman,' said Mrs. Bardell.
And your little boy - ' said Mr Pickwick.
Bless his heart!' interposed Mrs. Bardell, with a maternal sob.
He, too, will have a companion,' resumed Mr Pickwick, 'a lively one,
who'll teach him, I'll be bound, more tricks in a week than he would
ever learn in a year.' And Mr Pickwick smiled placidly.
'
Oh, you dear - ' said Mrs. Bardell.
Mr Pickwick started.
Oh, you kind, good, playful dear,' said Mrs. Bardell; and without more
'
ado, she rose from her chair, and flung her arms round Mr Pickwick's
neck, with a cataract of tears and a chorus of sobs.
'Bless my soul,' cried the astonished Mr Pickwick; 'Mrs. Bardell, my
good woman - dear me, what a situation - pray consider. - Mrs.
Bardell, don't - if anybody should come - '
'
Oh, let them come,' exclaimed Mrs. Bardell frantically; 'I'll never leave
you - dear, kind, good soul;' and, with these words, Mrs. Bardell
clung the tighter.
'
Mercy upon me,' said Mr Pickwick, struggling violently, 'I hear
somebody coming up the stairs. Don't, don't, there's a good creature,
don't.' But entreaty and remonstrance were alike unavailing; for Mrs.
Bardell had fainted in Mr Pickwick's arms; and before he could gain
time to deposit her on a chair, Master Bardell entered the room,
ushering in Mr Tupman, Mr Winkle, and Mr Snodgrass.
Mr Pickwick was struck motionless and speechless. He stood with his
lovely burden in his arms, gazing vacantly on the countenances of his
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