Mr Jackson departed upstairs on his errand, and immediately

returned with a message that Mr Fogg would see Mr Pickwick in five

minutes; and having delivered it, returned again to his desk.

What did he say his name was?' whispered Wicks.

'Pickwick,' replied Jackson; 'it's the defendant in Bardell and

Pickwick.'

A sudden scraping of feet, mingled with the sound of suppressed

laughter, was heard from behind the partition.

They're a-twiggin' of you, Sir,' whispered Mr Weller.

Twigging of me, Sam!' replied Mr Pickwick; 'what do you mean by

twigging me?'

Mr Weller replied by pointing with his thumb over his shoulder, and

Mr Pickwick, on looking up, became sensible of the pleasing fact, that

all the four clerks, with countenances expressive of the utmost

amusement, and with their heads thrust over the wooden screen, were

minutely inspecting the figure and general appearance of the

supposed trifler with female hearts, and disturber of female

happiness. On his looking up, the row of heads suddenly disappeared,

and the sound of pens travelling at a furious rate over paper,

immediately succeeded.

A sudden ring at the bell which hung in the office, summoned Mr

Jackson to the apartment of Fogg, from whence he came back to say

that he (Fogg) was ready to see Mr Pickwick if he would step upstairs.

Upstairs Mr Pickwick did step accordingly, leaving Sam Weller below.

The room door of the one-pair back, bore inscribed in legible

characters the imposing words, 'Mr Fogg'; and, having tapped thereat,

and been desired to come in, Jackson ushered Mr Pickwick into the

presence.

Is Mr Dodson in?' inquired Mr Fogg.

Just come in, Sir,' replied Jackson.

Ask him to step here.'

Yes, sir.' Exit Jackson.

Take a seat, sir,' said Fogg; 'there is the paper, sir; my partner will be

here directly, and we can converse about this matter, sir.'

The Pickwick Papers