Yes, I think it is,' resumed Mr Magnus. 'There's a good name before it,

too, you will observe. Permit me, sir - if you hold the card a little

slanting, this way, you catch the light upon the up-stroke. There -

Peter Magnus - sounds well, I think, sir.'

'Very,' said Mr Pickwick.

'Curious circumstance about those initials, sir,' said Mr Magnus. 'You

will observe - P.M. - post meridian. In hasty notes to intimate

acquaintance, I sometimes sign myself ‘Afternoon.’ It amuses my

friends very much, Mr Pickwick.'

It is calculated to afford them the highest gratification, I should

conceive,' said Mr Pickwick, rather envying the ease with which Mr

Magnus's friends were entertained.

Now, gen'l'm'n,' said the hostler, 'coach is ready, if you please.'

Is all my luggage in?' inquired Mr Magnus.

All right, sir.'

Is the red bag in?'

All right, Sir.'

And the striped bag?'

Fore boot, Sir.'

And the brown-paper parcel?'

Under the seat, Sir.'

And the leather hat-box?'

They're all in, Sir.'

Now, will you get up?' said Mr Pickwick.

Excuse me,' replied Magnus, standing on the wheel. 'Excuse me, Mr

Pickwick. I cannot consent to get up, in this state of uncertainty. I am

quite satisfied from that man's manner, that the leather hat-box is not

in.'

The solemn protestations of the hostler being wholly unavailing, the

leather hat-box was obliged to be raked up from the lowest depth of

the boot, to satisfy him that it had been safely packed; and after he

The Pickwick Papers