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'
And here's the shilling,' said Jackson. 'It's from Dodson and Fogg's.'
And it's uncommon handsome o' Dodson and Fogg, as knows so little
'
of me, to come down vith a present,' said Sam. 'I feel it as a wery high
compliment, sir; it's a wery honorable thing to them, as they knows
how to reward merit werever they meets it. Besides which, it's affectin'
to one's feelin's.'
As Mr Weller said this, he inflicted a little friction on his right eyelid,
with the sleeve of his coat, after the most approved manner of actors
when they are in domestic pathetics.
Mr Jackson seemed rather puzzled by Sam's proceedings; but, as he
had served the subpoenas, and had nothing more to say, he made a
feint of putting on the one glove which he usually carried in his hand,
for the sake of appearances; and returned to the office to report
progress.
Mr Pickwick slept little that night; his memory had received a very
disagreeable refresher on the subject of Mrs. Bardell's action. He
breakfasted betimes next morning, and, desiring Sam to accompany
him, set forth towards Gray's Inn Square.
'
Sam!' said Mr Pickwick, looking round, when they got to the end of
Cheapside.
'
Sir?' said Sam, stepping up to his master.
Which way?' 'Up Newgate Street.'
'
Mr Pickwick did not turn round immediately, but looked vacantly in
Sam's face for a few seconds, and heaved a deep sigh.
'
'
What's the matter, sir?' inquired Sam.
This action, Sam,' said Mr Pickwick, 'is expected to come on, on the
fourteenth of next month.' 'Remarkable coincidence that 'ere, sir,'
replied Sam.
'
'
Why remarkable, Sam?' inquired Mr Pickwick.
Walentine's day, sir,' responded Sam; 'reg'lar good day for a breach o'
promise trial.'
Mr Weller's smile awakened no gleam of mirth in his master's
countenance. Mr Pickwick turned abruptly round, and led the way in
silence.
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