No, not all of you,' said the strange man emphatically. 'I've taken two

places. If they try to squeeze six people into an infernal box that only

holds four, I'll take a post-chaise and bring an action. I've paid my

fare. It won't do; I told the clerk when I took my places that it wouldn't

do. I know these things have been done. I know they are done every

day; but I never was done, and I never will be. Those who know me

best, best know it; crush me!' Here the fierce gentleman rang the bell

with great violence, and told the waiter he'd better bring the toast in

five seconds, or he'd know the reason why.

'My good sir,' said Mr Pickwick, 'you will allow me to observe that this

is a very unnecessary display of excitement. I have only taken places

inside for two.'

'I am glad to hear it,' said the fierce man. 'I withdraw my expressions.

I tender an apology. There's my card. Give me your acquaintance.'

With great pleasure, Sir,' replied Mr Pickwick. 'We are to be fellow-

travellers, and I hope we shall find each other's society mutually

agreeable.'

I hope we shall,' said the fierce gentleman. 'I know we shall. I like

your looks; they please me. Gentlemen, your hands and names. Know

me.'

Of course, an interchange of friendly salutations followed this gracious

speech; and the fierce gentleman immediately proceeded to inform the

friends, in the same short, abrupt, jerking sentences, that his name

was Dowler; that he was going to Bath on pleasure; that he was

formerly in the army; that he had now set up in business as a

gentleman; that he lived upon the profits; and that the individual for

whom the second place was taken, was a personage no less illustrious

than Mrs. Dowler, his lady wife.

'She's a fine woman,' said Mr Dowler. 'I am proud of her. I have

reason.'

I hope I shall have the pleasure of judging,' said Mr Pickwick, with a

smile. 'You shall,' replied Dowler. 'She shall know you. She shall

esteem you. I courted her under singular circumstances. I won her

through a rash vow. Thus. I saw her; I loved her; I proposed; she

refused me. - ’You love another?’ - ’Spare my blushes.’ - ‘I know him.’

’You do.’ - ’Very good; if he remains here, I'll skin him.’'

Lord bless me!' exclaimed Mr Pickwick involuntarily.

Did you skin the gentleman, Sir?' inquired Mr Winkle, with a very

pale face.

The Pickwick Papers