Why,' replied Mr Trotter, 'my master and I, being in the confidence of

the two servants, will be secreted in the kitchen at ten o'clock. When

the family have retired to rest, we shall come out of the kitchen, and

the young lady out of her bedroom. A post-chaise will be waiting, and

away we go.'

'Well?' said Mr Pickwick.

Well, sir, I have been thinking that if you were in waiting in the

garden behind, alone - '

Alone,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Why alone?'

I thought it very natural,' replied Job, 'that the old lady wouldn't like

such an unpleasant discovery to be made before more persons than

can possibly be helped. The young lady, too, sir - consider her

feelings.'

'You are very right,' said Mr Pickwick. 'The consideration evinces your

delicacy of feeling. Go on; you are very right.'

Well, sir, I have been thinking that if you were waiting in the back

garden alone, and I was to let you in, at the door which opens into it,

from the end of the passage, at exactly half-past eleven o'clock, you

would be just in the very moment of time to assist me in frustrating

the designs of this bad man, by whom I have been unfortunately

ensnared.' Here Mr Trotter sighed deeply.

'Don't distress yourself on that account,' said Mr Pickwick; 'if he had

one grain of the delicacy of feeling which distinguishes you, humble as

your station is, I should have some hopes of him.'

Job Trotter bowed low; and in spite of Mr Weller's previous

remonstrance, the tears again rose to his eyes.

'I never see such a feller,' said Sam, 'Blessed if I don't think he's got a

main in his head as is always turned on.'

Sam,' said Mr Pickwick, with great severity, 'hold your tongue.'

Wery well, sir,' replied Mr Weller.

I don't like this plan,' said Mr Pickwick, after deep meditation. 'Why

cannot I communicate with the young lady's friends?'

'Because they live one hundred miles from here, sir,' responded Job

Trotter.

The Pickwick Papers