Mr Tupman rang the bell, purchased the tickets, and ordered

chamber candlesticks. In another quarter of an hour the stranger was

completely arrayed in a full suit of Mr Nathaniel Winkle's.

It's a new coat,' said Mr Tupman, as the stranger surveyed himself

with great complacency in a cheval glass; 'the first that's been made

with our club button,' and he called his companions' attention to the

large gilt button which displayed a bust of Mr Pickwick in the centre,

and the letters 'P. C.' on either side.

‘P. C.’' said the stranger - 'queer set out - old fellow's likeness, and ‘P.

C.’ - What does ‘P. C.’ stand for - Peculiar Coat, eh?'

Mr Tupman, with rising indignation and great importance, explained

the mystic device.

Rather short in the waist, ain't it?' said the stranger, screwing himself

round to catch a glimpse in the glass of the waist buttons, which were

half-way up his back. 'Like a general postman's coat - queer coats

those - made by contract - no measuring - mysterious dispensations

of Providence - all the short men get long coats - all the long men

short ones.' Running on in this way, Mr Tupman's new companion

adjusted his dress, or rather the dress of Mr Winkle; and,

accompanied by Mr Tupman, ascended the staircase leading to the

ballroom.

What names, sir?' said the man at the door. Mr Tracy Tupman was

stepping forward to announce his own titles, when the stranger

prevented him.

No names at all;' and then he whispered Mr Tupman, 'names won't do

not known - very good names in their way, but not great ones -

capital names for a small party, but won't make an impression in

public assemblies - incog. the thing - gentlemen from London -

distinguished foreigners - anything.' The door was thrown open, and

Mr Tracy Tupman and the stranger entered the ballroom.

It was a long room, with crimson-covered benches, and wax candles in

glass chandeliers. The musicians were securely confined in an

elevated den, and quadrilles were being systematically got through by

two or three sets of dancers. Two card-tables were made up in the

adjoining card-room, and two pair of old ladies, and a corresponding

number of stout gentlemen, were executing whist therein.

The finale concluded, the dancers promenaded the room, and Mr

Tupman and his companion stationed themselves in a corner to

observe the company.

The Pickwick Papers