think I am justified in assuming that upon this, she would turn away

her head.'

You think that may be taken for granted?' said Mr Magnus; 'because,

if she did not do that at the right place, it would be embarrassing.'

'I think she would,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Upon this, sir, I should squeeze

her hand, and I think - I think, Mr Magnus - that after I had done

that, supposing there was no refusal, I should gently draw away the

handkerchief, which my slight knowledge of human nature leads me

to suppose the lady would be applying to her eyes at the moment, and

steal a respectful kiss. I think I should kiss her, Mr Magnus; and at

this particular point, I am decidedly of opinion that if the lady were

going to take me at all, she would murmur into my ears a bashful

acceptance.'

Mr Magnus started; gazed on Mr Pickwick's intelligent face, for a short

time in silence; and then (the dial pointing to the ten minutes past)

shook him warmly by the hand, and rushed desperately from the

room.

Mr Pickwick had taken a few strides to and fro; and the small hand of

the clock following the latter part of his example, had arrived at the

figure which indicates the half-hour, when the door suddenly opened.

He turned round to meet Mr Peter Magnus, and encountered, in his

stead, the joyous face of Mr Tupman, the serene countenance of Mr

Winkle, and the intellectual lineaments of Mr Snodgrass. As Mr

Pickwick greeted them, Mr Peter Magnus tripped into the room.

'My friends, the gentleman I was speaking of - Mr Magnus,' said Mr

Pickwick.

Your servant, gentlemen,' said Mr Magnus, evidently in a high state of

excitement; 'Mr Pickwick, allow me to speak to you one moment, sir.'

As he said this, Mr Magnus harnessed his forefinger to Mr Pickwick's

buttonhole, and, drawing him to a window recess, said -

'Congratulate me, Mr Pickwick; I followed your advice to the very

letter.'

And it was all correct, was it?' inquired Mr Pickwick.

It was, Sir. Could not possibly have been better,' replied Mr Magnus.

Mr Pickwick, she is mine.'

I congratulate you, with all my heart,' replied Mr Pickwick, warmly

shaking his new friend by the hand.

The Pickwick Papers