Pickwick would be overcome by the disclosure; but seeing that he

remained perfectly calm, proceeded -

'My wife, sir - Mrs. Leo Hunter - is proud to number among her

acquaintance all those who have rendered themselves celebrated by

their works and talents. Permit me, sir, to place in a conspicuous part

of the list the name of Mr Pickwick, and his brother-members of the

club that derives its name from him.'

I shall be extremely happy to make the acquaintance of such a lady,

sir,' replied Mr Pickwick.

You SHALL make it, sir,' said the grave man. 'To-morrow morning,

sir, we give a public breakfast - a FETE CHAMPETRE - to a great

number of those who have rendered themselves celebrated by their

works and talents. Permit Mrs. Leo Hunter, Sir, to have the

gratification of seeing you at the Den.'

With great pleasure,' replied Mr Pickwick.

Mrs. Leo Hunter has many of these breakfasts, Sir,' resumed the new

acquaintance - '‘feasts of reason,’ sir, ‘and flows of soul,’ as somebody

who wrote a sonnet to Mrs. Leo Hunter on her breakfasts, feelingly

and originally observed.'

Was HE celebrated for his works and talents?' inquired Mr Pickwick.

He was Sir,' replied the grave man, 'all Mrs. Leo Hunter's

acquaintances are; it is her ambition, sir, to have no other

acquaintance.' 'It is a very noble ambition,' said Mr Pickwick.

'When I inform Mrs. Leo Hunter, that that remark fell from your lips,

sir, she will indeed be proud,' said the grave man. 'You have a

gentleman in your train, who has produced some beautiful little

poems, I think, sir.'

'My friend Mr Snodgrass has a great taste for poetry,' replied Mr

Pickwick.

'So has Mrs. Leo Hunter, Sir. She dotes on poetry, sir. She adores it; I

may say that her whole soul and mind are wound up, and entwined

with it. She has produced some delightful pieces, herself, sir. You may

have met with her ‘Ode to an Expiring Frog,’ sir.'

'I don't think I have,' said Mr Pickwick.

The Pickwick Papers