in the book - an instance of condescension at which Angelo Bantam

was even more overpowered than before. Tickets of admission to that

evening's assembly were to have been prepared for the whole party,

but as they were not ready, Mr Pickwick undertook, despite all the

protestations to the contrary of Angelo Bantam, to send Sam for them

at four o'clock in the afternoon, to the M.C.'s house in Queen Square.

Having taken a short walk through the city, and arrived at the

unanimous conclusion that Park Street was very much like the

perpendicular streets a man sees in a dream, which he cannot get up

for the life of him, they returned to the White Hart, and despatched

Sam on the errand to which his master had pledged him.

Sam Weller put on his hat in a very easy and graceful manner, and,

thrusting his hands in his waistcoat pockets, walked with great

deliberation to Queen Square, whistling as he went along, several of

the most popular airs of the day, as arranged with entirely new

movements for that noble instrument the organ, either mouth or

barrel. Arriving at the number in Queen Square to which he had been

directed, he left off whistling and gave a cheerful knock, which was

instantaneously answered by a powdered-headed footman in gorgeous

livery, and of symmetrical stature.

'is this here Mr Bantam's, old feller?' inquired Sam Weller, nothing

abashed by the blaze of splendour which burst upon his sight in the

person of the powdered-headed footman with the gorgeous livery.

Why, young man?' was the haughty inquiry of the powdered- headed

footman.

'Cos if it is, jist you step in to him with that 'ere card, and say Mr

Veller's a-waitin', will you?' said Sam. And saying it, he very coolly

walked into the hall, and sat down.

The powdered-headed footman slammed the door very hard, and

scowled very grandly; but both the slam and the scowl were lost upon

Sam, who was regarding a mahogany umbrella-stand with every

outward token of critical approval.

Apparently his master's reception of the card had impressed the

powdered-headed footman in Sam's favour, for when he came back

from delivering it, he smiled in a friendly manner, and said that the

answer would be ready directly.

Wery good,' said Sam. 'Tell the old gen'l'm'n not to put himself in a

perspiration. No hurry, six-foot. I've had my dinner.'

You dine early, sir,' said the powdered-headed footman.

The Pickwick Papers