162 | 163 | 164 | 165 | 166 |
1 | 198 | 396 | 594 | 792 |
'
Winkle,' echoed Mr Pott; and the ceremony of introduction was
complete.
'
We owe you many apologies, ma'am,' said Mr Pickwick, 'for disturbing
your domestic arrangements at so short a notice.'
'I beg you won't mention it, sir,' replied the feminine Pott, with
vivacity. 'It is a high treat to me, I assure you, to see any new faces;
living as I do, from day to day, and week to week, in this dull place,
and seeing nobody.'
'
'
'
Nobody, my dear!' exclaimed Mr Pott archly.
Nobody but you,' retorted Mrs. Pott, with asperity.
You see, Mr Pickwick,' said the host in explanation of his wife's
lament, 'that we are in some measure cut off from many enjoyments
and pleasures of which we might otherwise partake. My public
station, as editor of the Eatanswill GAZETTE, the position which that
paper holds in the country, my constant immersion in the vortex of
politics - '
'
'
P. my dear - ' interposed Mrs. Pott.
My life - ' said the editor. 'I wish, my dear, you would endeavour to
find some topic of conversation in which these gentlemen might take
some rational interest.'
'But, my love,' said Mr Pott, with great humility, 'Mr Pickwick does
take an interest in it.'
'
It's well for him if he can,' said Mrs. Pott emphatically; 'I am wearied
out of my life with your politics, and quarrels with the INDEPENDENT,
and nonsense. I am quite astonished, P., at your making such an
exhibition of your absurdity.'
'
But, my dear - ' said Mr Pott.
'Oh, nonsense, don't talk to me,' said Mrs. Pott. 'Do you play ecarte,
Sir?'
'
I shall be very happy to learn under your tuition,' replied Mr Winkle.
Well, then, draw that little table into this window, and let me get out
'
of hearing of those prosy politics.'
'
Jane,' said Mr Pott, to the servant who brought in candles, 'go down
into the office, and bring me up the file of the GAZETTE for eighteen
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