The Pickwick Papers


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'
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  


Page
162 163 164 165 166

Quick Jump
1 198 396 594 792