Chapter XXVI

Which Contains A Brief Account Of The Progress Of The Action Of

Bardell Against Pickwick

Having accomplished the main end and object of his journey, by the

exposure of Jingle, Mr Pickwick resolved on immediately returning to

London, with the view of becoming acquainted with the proceedings

which had been taken against him, in the meantime, by Messrs.

Dodson and Fogg. Acting upon this resolution with all the energy and

decision of his character, he mounted to the back seat of the first

coach which left Ipswich on the morning after the memorable

occurrences detailed at length in the two preceding chapters; and

accompanied by his three friends, and Mr Samuel Weller, arrived in

the metropolis, in perfect health and safety, the same evening.

Here the friends, for a short time, separated. Messrs. Tupman,

Winkle, and Snodgrass repaired to their several homes to make such

preparations as might be requisite for their forthcoming visit to

Dingley Dell; and Mr Pickwick and Sam took up their present abode in

very good, old-fashioned, and comfortable quarters, to wit, the George

and Vulture Tavern and Hotel, George Yard, Lombard Street.

Mr Pickwick had dined, finished his second pint of particular port,

pulled his silk handkerchief over his head, put his feet on the fender,

and thrown himself back in an easy-chair, when the entrance of Mr

Weller with his carpet-bag, aroused him from his tranquil meditation.

'Sam,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Sir,' said Mr Weller.

'I have just been thinking, Sam,' said Mr Pickwick, 'that having left a

good many things at Mrs. Bardell's, in Goswell Street, I ought to

arrange for taking them away, before I leave town again.'

Wery good, sir,' replied Mr Weller.

I could send them to Mr Tupman's, for the present, Sam,' continued

Mr Pickwick, 'but before we take them away, it is necessary that they

should be looked up, and put together. I wish you would step up to

Goswell Street, Sam, and arrange about it.'

At once, Sir?' inquired Mr Weller.

At once,' replied Mr Pickwick. 'And stay, Sam,' added Mr Pickwick,

pulling out his purse, 'there is some rent to pay. The quarter is not

due till Christmas, but you may pay it, and have done with it. A

month's notice terminates my tenancy. Here it is, written out. Give it,

and tell Mrs. Bardell she may put a bill up, as soon as she likes.'

The Pickwick Papers