venture to promise an exception in your case, sir - yes, I am quite

certain that, on behalf of Mrs. Leo Hunter, I may venture to do so.'

In that case,' said Mr Pickwick, 'I shall have great pleasure in coming.'

But I waste your time, Sir,' said the grave man, as if suddenly

recollecting himself. 'I know its value, sir. I will not detain you. I may

tell Mrs. Leo Hunter, then, that she may confidently expect you and

your distinguished friends? Good-morning, Sir, I am proud to have

beheld so eminent a personage - not a step sir; not a word.' And

without giving Mr Pickwick time to offer remonstrance or denial, Mr

Leo Hunter stalked gravely away.

Mr Pickwick took up his hat, and repaired to the Peacock, but Mr

Winkle had conveyed the intelligence of the fancy-ball there, before

him.

Mrs. Pott's going,' were the first words with which he saluted his

leader.

Is she?' said Mr Pickwick.

As Apollo,' replied Winkle. 'Only Pott objects to the tunic.'

He is right. He is quite right,' said Mr Pickwick emphatically.

Yes; so she's going to wear a white satin gown with gold spangles.'

They'll hardly know what she's meant for; will they?' inquired Mr

Snodgrass.

Of course they will,' replied Mr Winkle indignantly. 'They'll see her

lyre, won't they?'

True; I forgot that,' said Mr Snodgrass.

I shall go as a bandit,'interposed Mr Tupman.

What!' said Mr Pickwick, with a sudden start.

As a bandit,' repeated Mr Tupman, mildly.

You don't mean to say,' said Mr Pickwick, gazing with solemn

sternness at his friend - 'you don't mean to say, Mr Tupman, that it is

your intention to put yourself into a green velvet jacket, with a two-

inch tail?'

The Pickwick Papers