Chapter XLII

Illustrative, Like The Preceding One, Of The Old Proverb, That

Adversity Brings A Man Acquainted With Strange Bedfellows -

Likewise Containing Mr Pickwick's Extraordinary And Startling

Announcement To Mr Samuel Weller

When Mr Pickwick opened his eyes next morning, the first object upon

which they rested was Samuel Weller, seated upon a small black

portmanteau, intently regarding, apparently in a condition of profound

abstraction, the stately figure of the dashing Mr Smangle; while Mr

Smangle himself, who was already partially dressed, was seated on his

bedstead, occupied in the desperately hopeless attempt of staring Mr

Weller out of countenance. We say desperately hopeless, because

Sam, with a comprehensive gaze which took in Mr Smangle's cap, feet,

head, face, legs, and whiskers, all at the same time, continued to look

steadily on, with every demonstration of lively satisfaction, but with no

more regard to Mr Smangle's personal sentiments on the subject than

he would have displayed had he been inspecting a wooden statue, or a

straw-embowelled Guy Fawkes.

Well; will you know me again?' said Mr Smangle, with a frown.

I'd svear to you anyveres, Sir,' replied Sam cheerfully.

Don't be impertinent to a gentleman, Sir,' said Mr Smangle.

Not on no account,' replied Sam. 'if you'll tell me wen he wakes, I'll be

upon the wery best extra-super behaviour!' This observation, having a

remote tendency to imply that Mr Smangle was no gentleman, kindled

his ire.

Mivins!' said Mr Smangle, with a passionate air.

What's the office?' replied that gentleman from his couch.

Who the devil is this fellow?'

'Gad,' said Mr Mivins, looking lazily out from under the bed-clothes, 'I

ought to ask YOU that. Hasn't he any business here?'

'No,' replied Mr Smangle. 'Then knock him downstairs, and tell him

not to presume to get up till I come and kick him,' rejoined Mr Mivins;

with this prompt advice that excellent gentleman again betook himself

to slumber.

The conversation exhibiting these unequivocal symptoms of verging on

the personal, Mr Pickwick deemed it a fit point at which to interpose.

The Pickwick Papers