Extremely awkward,' said Mr Pickwick.

Very,' said his fellow-voyagers.

I have an idea upon this subject,' said Mr Pott, 'which I think may be

very successfully adopted. They have two beds at the Peacock, and I

can boldly say, on behalf of Mrs. Pott, that she will be delighted to

accommodate Mr Pickwick and any one of his friends, if the other two

gentlemen and their servant do not object to shifting, as they best can,

at the Peacock.'

After repeated pressings on the part of Mr Pott, and repeated

protestations on that of Mr Pickwick that he could not think of

incommoding or troubling his amiable wife, it was decided that it was

the only feasible arrangement that could be made. So it WAS made;

and after dinner together at the Town Arms, the friends separated, Mr

Tupman and Mr Snodgrass repairing to the Peacock, and Mr Pickwick

and Mr Winkle proceeding to the mansion of Mr Pott; it having been

previously arranged that they should all reassemble at the Town Arms

in the morning, and accompany the Honourable Samuel Slumkey's

procession to the place of nomination.

Mr Pott's domestic circle was limited to himself and his wife. All men

whom mighty genius has raised to a proud eminence in the world,

have usually some little weakness which appears the more

conspicuous from the contrast it presents to their general character. If

Mr Pott had a weakness, it was, perhaps, that he was rather too

submissive to the somewhat contemptuous control and sway of his

wife. We do not feel justified in laying any particular stress upon the

fact, because on the present occasion all Mrs. Pott's most winning

ways were brought into requisition to receive the two gentlemen.

'My dear,' said Mr Pott, 'Mr Pickwick - Mr Pickwick of London.'

Mrs. Pott received Mr Pickwick's paternal grasp of the hand with

enchanting sweetness; and Mr Winkle, who had not been announced

at all, sidled and bowed, unnoticed, in an obscure corner.

P. my dear' - said Mrs. Pott.

My life,' said Mr Pott.

Pray introduce the other gentleman.'

I beg a thousand pardons,' said Mr Pott. 'Permit me, Mrs. Pott, Mr - '

Winkle,' said Mr Pickwick.

The Pickwick Papers