friends, without the slightest attempt at recognition or explanation.

They, in their turn, stared at him; and Master Bardell, in his turn,

stared at everybody.

The astonishment of the Pickwickians was so absorbing, and the

perplexity of Mr Pickwick was so extreme, that they might have

remained in exactly the same relative situations until the suspended

animation of the lady was restored, had it not been for a most

beautiful and touching expression of filial affection on the part of her

youthful son. Clad in a tight suit of corduroy, spangled with brass

buttons of a very considerable size, he at first stood at the door

astounded and uncertain; but by degrees, the impression that his

mother must have suffered some personal damage pervaded his

partially developed mind, and considering Mr Pickwick as the

aggressor, he set up an appalling and semi- earthly kind of howling,

and butting forward with his head, commenced assailing that

immortal gentleman about the back and legs, with such blows and

pinches as the strength of his arm, and the violence of his excitement,

allowed.

Take this little villain away,' said the agonised Mr Pickwick, 'he's

mad.'

What is the matter?' said the three tongue-tied Pickwickians.

I don't know,' replied Mr Pickwick pettishly. 'Take away the boy.'

(

Here Mr Winkle carried the interesting boy, screaming and struggling,

to the farther end of the apartment.) 'Now help me, lead this woman

downstairs.'

Oh, I am better now,' said Mrs. Bardell faintly.

Let me lead you downstairs,' said the ever-gallant Mr Tupman.

Thank you, sir - thank you;' exclaimed Mrs. Bardell hysterically. And

downstairs she was led accordingly, accompanied by her affectionate

son.

I cannot conceive,' said Mr Pickwick when his friend returned - 'I

cannot conceive what has been the matter with that woman. I had

merely announced to her my intention of keeping a man-servant,

when she fell into the extraordinary paroxysm in which you found her.

Very extraordinary thing.'

'Very,' said his three friends.

'Placed me in such an extremely awkward situation,' continued Mr

Pickwick.

The Pickwick Papers