Why, then,' said Mr Magnus, 'to let you into a little secret, I think so

too. I don't mind telling you, Mr Pickwick, although I'm dreadful

jealous by nature - horrid - that the lady is in this house.' Here Mr

Magnus took off his spectacles, on purpose to wink, and then put

them on again.

That's what you were running out of the room for, before dinner,

then, so often,' said Mr Pickwick archly.

'Hush! Yes, you're right, that was it; not such a fool as to see her,

though.'

No!'

No; wouldn't do, you know, after having just come off a journey. Wait

till to-morrow, sir; double the chance then. Mr Pickwick, Sir, there is a

suit of clothes in that bag, and a hat in that box, which, I expect, in

the effect they will produce, will be invaluable to me, sir.'

Indeed!' said Mr Pickwick.

Yes; you must have observed my anxiety about them to-day. I do not

believe that such another suit of clothes, and such a hat, could be

bought for money, Mr Pickwick.'

Mr Pickwick congratulated the fortunate owner of the irresistible

garments on their acquisition; and Mr Peter Magnus remained a few

moments apparently absorbed in contemplation. 'She's a fine

creature,' said Mr Magnus.

Is she?' said Mr Pickwick.

Very,' said Mr Magnus. 'very. She lives about twenty miles from here,

Mr Pickwick. I heard she would be here to-night and all to-morrow

forenoon, and came down to seize the opportunity. I think an inn is a

good sort of a place to propose to a single woman in, Mr Pickwick. She

is more likely to feel the loneliness of her situation in travelling,

perhaps, than she would be at home. What do you think, Mr

Pickwick?'

I think it is very probable,' replied that gentleman.

I beg your pardon, Mr Pickwick,' said Mr Peter Magnus, 'but I am

naturally rather curious; what may you have come down here for?'

'On a far less pleasant errand, Sir,' replied Mr Pickwick, the colour

mounting to his face at the recollection. 'I have come down here, Sir,

The Pickwick Papers