Mr Weller immediately took the hint; and presenting himself in the

parlour, explained his business to Mrs. Bardell thus -

Wery sorry to 'casion any personal inconwenience, ma'am, as the

housebreaker said to the old lady when he put her on the fire; but as

me and my governor 's only jest come to town, and is jest going away

agin, it can't be helped, you see.'

'Of course, the young man can't help the faults of his master,' said

Mrs. Cluppins, much struck by Mr Weller's appearance and

conversation.

'Certainly not,' chimed in Mrs. Sanders, who, from certain wistful

glances at the little tin saucepan, seemed to be engaged in a mental

calculation of the probable extent of the pettitoes, in the event of

Sam's being asked to stop to supper.

'So all I've come about, is jest this here,' said Sam, disregarding the

interruption; 'first, to give my governor's notice - there it is. Secondly,

to pay the rent - here it is. Thirdly, to say as all his things is to be put

together, and give to anybody as we sends for 'em. Fourthly, that you

may let the place as soon as you like - and that's all.'

'Whatever has happened,' said Mrs. Bardell, 'I always have said, and

always will say, that in every respect but one, Mr Pickwick has always

behaved himself like a perfect gentleman. His money always as good

as the bank - always.'

As Mrs. Bardell said this, she applied her handkerchief to her eyes,

and went out of the room to get the receipt.

Sam well knew that he had only to remain quiet, and the women were

sure to talk; so he looked alternately at the tin saucepan, the toasted

cheese, the wall, and the ceiling, in profound silence.

'Poor dear!' said Mrs. Cluppins.

'Ah, poor thing!' replied Mrs. Sanders. Sam said nothing. He saw they

were coming to the subject.

I raly cannot contain myself,' said Mrs. Cluppins, 'when I think of

such perjury. I don't wish to say anything to make you uncomfortable,

young man, but your master's an old brute, and I wish I had him here

to tell him so.' 'I wish you had,' said Sam.

To see how dreadful she takes on, going moping about, and taking no

pleasure in nothing, except when her friends comes in, out of charity,

The Pickwick Papers