Smauker will have the pleasure of introducing Mr Weller. (Signed)

'JOHN SMAUKER.'

The envelope was directed to blank Weller, Esq., at Mr Pickwick's; and

in a parenthesis, in the left hand corner, were the words 'airy bell,' as

an instruction to the bearer.

Vell,' said Sam, 'this is comin' it rayther powerful, this is. I never

heerd a biled leg o' mutton called a swarry afore. I wonder wot they'd

call a roast one.'

However, without waiting to debate the point, Sam at once betook

himself into the presence of Mr Pickwick, and requested leave of

absence for that evening, which was readily granted. With this

permission and the street-door key, Sam Weller issued forth a little

before the appointed time, and strolled leisurely towards Queen

Square, which he no sooner gained than he had the satisfaction of

beholding Mr John Smauker leaning his powdered head against a

lamp-post at a short distance off, smoking a cigar through an amber

tube.

'How do you do, Mr Weller?' said Mr John Smauker, raising his hat

gracefully with one hand, while he gently waved the other in a

condescending manner. 'How do you do, Sir?'

'Why, reasonably conwalessent,' replied Sam. 'How do YOU find

yourself, my dear feller?'

'Only so so,' said Mr John Smauker.

'Ah, you've been a-workin' too hard,' observed Sam. 'I was fearful you

would; it won't do, you know; you must not give way to that 'ere

uncompromisin' spirit o' yourn.'

It's not so much that, Mr Weller,' replied Mr John Smauker, 'as bad

wine; I'm afraid I've been dissipating.'

Oh! that's it, is it?' said Sam; 'that's a wery bad complaint, that.'

And yet the temptation, you see, Mr Weller,' observed Mr John

Smauker.

'Ah, to be sure,' said Sam.

Plunged into the very vortex of society, you know, Mr Weller,' said Mr

John Smauker, with a sigh.

Dreadful, indeed!' rejoined Sam.

The Pickwick Papers