| 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 |
| 1 | 198 | 396 | 594 | 792 |
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It has been conjectured that Mr Pickwick was on the point of
delivering some remarks which would have enlightened the world, if
not the Thames, when he was thus interrupted; for he gazed sternly
on the waiter's countenance, and then looked round on the company
generally, as if seeking for information relative to the new-comers.
'
Oh!' said Mr Winkle, rising, 'some friends of mine - show them in.
Very pleasant fellows,' added Mr Winkle, after the waiter had retired -
officers of the 97th, whose acquaintance I made rather oddly this
'
morning. You will like them very much.'
Mr Pickwick's equanimity was at once restored. The waiter returned,
and ushered three gentlemen into the room.
'
Lieutenant Tappleton,' said Mr Winkle, 'Lieutenant Tappleton, Mr
Pickwick - Doctor Payne, Mr Pickwick - Mr Snodgrass you have seen
before, my friend Mr Tupman, Doctor Payne - Doctor Slammer, Mr
Pickwick - Mr Tupman, Doctor Slam - '
Here Mr Winkle suddenly paused; for strong emotion was visible on
the countenance both of Mr Tupman and the doctor.
'
I have met THIS gentleman before,' said the Doctor, with marked
emphasis.
'
'
Indeed!' said Mr Winkle.
And - and that person, too, if I am not mistaken,' said the doctor,
bestowing a scrutinising glance on the green-coated stranger. 'I think I
gave that person a very pressing invitation last night, which he
thought proper to decline.' Saying which the doctor scowled
magnanimously on the stranger, and whispered his friend Lieutenant
Tappleton.
'You don't say so,' said that gentleman, at the conclusion of the
whisper.
'
'
I do, indeed,' replied Doctor Slammer.
You are bound to kick him on the spot,' murmured the owner of the
camp-stool, with great importance.
'
Do be quiet, Payne,' interposed the lieutenant. 'Will you allow me to
ask you, sir,' he said, addressing Mr Pickwick, who was considerably
mystified by this very unpolite by-play - 'will you allow me to ask you,
Sir, whether that person belongs to your party?'
'
No, Sir,' replied Mr Pickwick, 'he is a guest of ours.'
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