'Such IS my intention, Sir,' replied Mr Tupman warmly. 'And why not,

sir?'

Because, Sir,' said Mr Pickwick, considerably excited - 'because you

are too old, Sir.'

Too old!' exclaimed Mr Tupman.

And if any further ground of objection be wanting,' continued Mr

Pickwick, 'you are too fat, sir.'

Sir,' said Mr Tupman, his face suffused with a crimson glow, 'this is

an insult.'

Sir,' replied Mr Pickwick, in the same tone, 'it is not half the insult to

you, that your appearance in my presence in a green velvet jacket,

with a two-inch tail, would be to me.'

Sir,' said Mr Tupman, 'you're a fellow.'

Sir,' said Mr Pickwick, 'you're another!'

Mr Tupman advanced a step or two, and glared at Mr Pickwick. Mr

Pickwick returned the glare, concentrated into a focus by means of his

spectacles, and breathed a bold defiance. Mr Snodgrass and Mr

Winkle looked on, petrified at beholding such a scene between two

such men.

'Sir,' said Mr Tupman, after a short pause, speaking in a low, deep

voice, 'you have called me old.'

I have,' said Mr Pickwick.

And fat.'

I reiterate the charge.'

And a fellow.'

So you are!'

There was a fearful pause.

My attachment to your person, sir,' said Mr Tupman, speaking in a

voice tremulous with emotion, and tucking up his wristbands

meanwhile, 'is great - very great - but upon that person, I must take

summary vengeance.'

The Pickwick Papers