instrumentality of a halfpenny shower-bath (having induced a young

gentleman attached to the stable department, by the offer of that coin,

to pump over his head and face, until he was perfectly restored), when

he was attracted by the appearance of a young fellow in mulberry-

coloured livery, who was sitting on a bench in the yard, reading what

appeared to be a hymn-book, with an air of deep abstraction, but who

occasionally stole a glance at the individual under the pump, as if he

took some interest in his proceedings, nevertheless.

You're a rum 'un to look at, you are!' thought Mr Weller, the first time

his eyes encountered the glance of the stranger in the mulberry suit,

who had a large, sallow, ugly face, very sunken eyes, and a gigantic

head, from which depended a quantity of lank black hair. 'You're a

rum 'un!' thought Mr Weller; and thinking this, he went on washing

himself, and thought no more about him.

Still the man kept glancing from his hymn-book to Sam, and from

Sam to his hymn-book, as if he wanted to open a conversation. So at

last, Sam, by way of giving him an opportunity, said with a familiar

nod -

How are you, governor?'

I am happy to say, I am pretty well, Sir,' said the man, speaking with

great deliberation, and closing the book. 'I hope you are the same,

Sir?'

Why, if I felt less like a walking brandy-bottle I shouldn't be quite so

staggery this mornin',' replied Sam. 'Are you stoppin' in this house,

old 'un?'

The mulberry man replied in the affirmative.

'How was it you worn't one of us, last night?' inquired Sam, scrubbing

his face with the towel. 'You seem one of the jolly sort - looks as

conwivial as a live trout in a lime basket,' added Mr Weller, in an

undertone.

I was out last night with my master,' replied the stranger.

What's his name?' inquired Mr Weller, colouring up very red with

sudden excitement, and the friction of the towel combined.

Fitz-Marshall,' said the mulberry man.

Give us your hand,' said Mr Weller, advancing; 'I should like to know

you. I like your appearance, old fellow.'

The Pickwick Papers