Mr Pickwick; and the best, as everybody knows, on the infallible

authority of the old adage, could do no more.

Mr Justice Stareleigh summed up, in the old-established and most

approved form. He read as much of his notes to the jury as he could

decipher on so short a notice, and made running- comments on the

evidence as he went along. If Mrs. Bardell were right, it was perfectly

clear that Mr Pickwick was wrong, and if they thought the evidence of

Mrs. Cluppins worthy of credence they would believe it, and, if they

didn't, why, they wouldn't. If they were satisfied that a breach of

promise of marriage had been committed they would find for the

plaintiff with such damages as they thought proper; and if, on the

other hand, it appeared to them that no promise of marriage had ever

been given, they would find for the defendant with no damages at all.

The jury then retired to their private room to talk the matter over, and

the judge retired to HIS private room, to refresh himself with a mutton

chop and a glass of sherry. An anxious quarter of a hour elapsed; the

jury came back; the judge was fetched in. Mr Pickwick put on his

spectacles, and gazed at the foreman with an agitated countenance

and a quickly-beating heart.

Gentlemen,' said the individual in black, 'are you all agreed upon

your verdict?'

We are,' replied the foreman.

Do you find for the plaintiff, gentlemen, or for the defendant?' 'For the

plaintiff.'

With what damages, gentlemen?'

Seven hundred and fifty pounds.'

Mr Pickwick took off his spectacles, carefully wiped the glasses, folded

them into their case, and put them in his pocket; then, having drawn

on his gloves with great nicety, and stared at the foreman all the

while, he mechanically followed Mr Perker and the blue bag out of

court.

They stopped in a side room while Perker paid the court fees; and

here, Mr Pickwick was joined by his friends. Here, too, he encountered

Messrs. Dodson & Fogg, rubbing their hands with every token of

outward satisfaction.

Well, gentlemen,' said Mr Pickwick.

Well, Sir,' said Dodson, for self and partner.

The Pickwick Papers