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'
Of her heart,' said Wardle, with a smile, 'you should certainly be the
best judge. I don't wish to discourage you, but I should certainly say
that, of her case, Dodson and Fogg are far better judges than any of
us can be.'
'
'
'
It's a vile attempt to extort money,' said Mr Pickwick.
I hope it is,' said Wardle, with a short, dry cough.
Who ever heard me address her in any way but that in which a lodger
would address his landlady?' continued Mr Pickwick, with great
vehemence. 'Who ever saw me with her? Not even my friends here - '
'Except on one occasion,' said Mr Tupman.
Mr Pickwick changed colour. 'Ah,' said Mr Wardle. 'Well, that's
important. There was nothing suspicious then, I suppose?'
Mr Tupman glanced timidly at his leader. 'Why,' said he, 'there was
nothing suspicious; but - I don't know how it happened, mind - she
certainly was reclining in his arms.'
'
Gracious powers!' ejaculated Mr Pickwick, as the recollection of the
scene in question struck forcibly upon him; 'what a dreadful instance
of the force of circumstances! So she was - so she was.'
'And our friend was soothing her anguish,' said Mr Winkle, rather
maliciously.
'So I was,' said Mr Pickwick. 'I don't deny it. So I was.'
'
Hollo!' said Wardle; 'for a case in which there's nothing suspicious,
this looks rather queer - eh, Pickwick? Ah, sly dog - sly dog!' and he
laughed till the glasses on the sideboard rang again.
'
What a dreadful conjunction of appearances!' exclaimed Mr Pickwick,
resting his chin upon his hands. 'Winkle - Tupman - I beg your
pardon for the observations I made just now. We are all the victims of
circumstances, and I the greatest.' With this apology Mr Pickwick
buried his head in his hands, and ruminated; while Wardle measured
out a regular circle of nods and winks, addressed to the other
members of the company.
'
I'll have it explained, though,' said Mr Pickwick, raising his head and
hammering the table. 'I'll see this Dodson and Fogg! I'll go to London
to-morrow.'
'
Not to-morrow,' said Wardle; 'you're too lame.'
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