'Oh, Goodwin,' resumed Mrs. Pott, 'it's the only way of meeting the

slander, and setting me right with the world.'

Certainly, ma'am,' replied Goodwin. 'No man as is a man, ma'am,

could refuse to do it.'

So, as the hysterics were still hovering about, Mr Pott said once more

that he would do it; but Mrs. Pott was so overcome at the bare idea of

having ever been suspected, that she was half a dozen times on the

very verge of a relapse, and most unquestionably would have gone off,

had it not been for the indefatigable efforts of the assiduous Goodwin,

and repeated entreaties for pardon from the conquered Pott; and

finally, when that unhappy individual had been frightened and

snubbed down to his proper level, Mrs. Pott recovered, and they went

to breakfast.

You will not allow this base newspaper slander to shorten your stay

here, Mr Winkle?' said Mrs. Pott, smiling through the traces of her

tears.

'I hope not,' said Mr Pott, actuated, as he spoke, by a wish that his

visitor would choke himself with the morsel of dry toast which he was

raising to his lips at the moment, and so terminate his stay

effectually.

I hope not.'

You are very good,' said Mr Winkle; 'but a letter has been received

from Mr Pickwick - so I learn by a note from Mr Tupman, which was

brought up to my bedroom door, this morning - in which he requests

us to join him at Bury to-day; and we are to leave by the coach at

noon.'

But you will come back?' said Mrs. Pott.

Oh, certainly,' replied Mr Winkle.

You are quite sure?' said Mrs. Pott, stealing a tender look at her

visitor.

'Quite,' responded Mr Winkle.

The breakfast passed off in silence, for each of the party was brooding

over his, or her, own personal grievances. Mrs. Pott was regretting the

loss of a beau; Mr Pott his rash pledge to horsewhip the

INDEPENDENT; Mr Winkle his having innocently placed himself in so

awkward a situation. Noon approached, and after many adieux and

promises to return, he tore himself away.

The Pickwick Papers