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'
Very,' was the reply of his followers, as they coughed slightly, and
looked dubiously at each other.
This behaviour was not lost upon Mr Pickwick. He remarked their
incredulity. They evidently suspected him.
'There is a man in the passage now,' said Mr Tupman.
'
It's the man I spoke to you about,' said Mr Pickwick; 'I sent for him to
the Borough this morning. Have the goodness to call him up,
Snodgrass.'
Mr Snodgrass did as he was desired; and Mr Samuel Weller forthwith
presented himself.
'Oh - you remember me, I suppose?' said Mr Pickwick.
'
I should think so,' replied Sam, with a patronising wink. 'Queer start
that 'ere, but he was one too many for you, warn't he? Up to snuff and
a pinch or two over - eh?'
'
Never mind that matter now,' said Mr Pickwick hastily; 'I want to
speak to you about something else. Sit down.'
'Thank'ee, sir,' said Sam. And down he sat without further bidding,
having previously deposited his old white hat on the landing outside
the door. ''Tain't a wery good 'un to look at,' said Sam, 'but it's an
astonishin' 'un to wear; and afore the brim went, it was a wery
handsome tile. Hows'ever it's lighter without it, that's one thing, and
every hole lets in some air, that's another - wentilation gossamer I
calls it.' On the delivery of this sentiment, Mr Weller smiled agreeably
upon the assembled Pickwickians.
'
Now with regard to the matter on which I, with the concurrence of
these gentlemen, sent for you,' said Mr Pickwick.
'
That's the pint, sir,' interposed Sam; 'out vith it, as the father said to
his child, when he swallowed a farden.'
'
We want to know, in the first place,' said Mr Pickwick, 'whether you
have any reason to be discontented with your present situation.'
'Afore I answers that 'ere question, gen'l'm'n,' replied Mr Weller, 'I
should like to know, in the first place, whether you're a-goin' to
purwide me with a better?'
A sunbeam of placid benevolence played on Mr Pickwick's features as
he said, 'I have half made up my mind to engage you myself.'
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