gestures to the crowd, his ineffaceable obligations to the Eatanswill

GAZETTE.

'Is everything ready?' said the Honourable Samuel Slumkey to Mr

Perker.

Everything, my dear Sir,' was the little man's reply.

Nothing has been omitted, I hope?' said the Honourable Samuel

Slumkey.

'Nothing has been left undone, my dear sir - nothing whatever. There

are twenty washed men at the street door for you to shake hands

with; and six children in arms that you're to pat on the head, and

inquire the age of; be particular about the children, my dear sir - it

has always a great effect, that sort of thing.'

I'll take care,' said the Honourable Samuel Slumkey.

And, perhaps, my dear Sir,' said the cautious little man, 'perhaps if

you could - I don't mean to say it's indispensable - but if you could

manage to kiss one of 'em, it would produce a very great impression

on the crowd.'

Wouldn't it have as good an effect if the proposer or seconder did

that?' said the Honourable Samuel Slumkey.

Why, I am afraid it wouldn't,' replied the agent; 'if it were done by

yourself, my dear Sir, I think it would make you very popular.'

Very well,' said the Honourable Samuel Slumkey, with a resigned air,

then it must be done. That's all.'

'Arrange the procession,' cried the twenty committee-men.

Amidst the cheers of the assembled throng, the band, and the

constables, and the committee-men, and the voters, and the

horsemen, and the carriages, took their places - each of the two- horse

vehicles being closely packed with as many gentlemen as could

manage to stand upright in it; and that assigned to Mr Perker,

containing Mr Pickwick, Mr Tupman, Mr Snodgrass, and about half a

dozen of the committee besides.

There was a moment of awful suspense as the procession waited for

the Honourable Samuel Slumkey to step into his carriage. Suddenly

the crowd set up a great cheering.

The Pickwick Papers