'Wery queer,' said Sam. 'I think she's a-injurin' herself gradivally vith

too much o' that 'ere pine-apple rum, and other strong medicines of

the same natur.'

'You don't mean that, Sammy?' said the senior earnestly.

I do, indeed,' replied the junior. Mr Weller seized his son's hand,

clasped it, and let it fall. There was an expression on his countenance

in doing so - not of dismay or apprehension, but partaking more of the

sweet and gentle character of hope. A gleam of resignation, and even

of cheerfulness, passed over his face too, as he slowly said, 'I ain't

quite certain, Sammy; I wouldn't like to say I wos altogether positive,

in case of any subsekent disappointment, but I rayther think, my boy,

I rayther think, that the shepherd's got the liver complaint!'

Does he look bad?' inquired Sam.

He's uncommon pale,' replied his father, ''cept about the nose, which

is redder than ever. His appetite is wery so-so, but he imbibes

wonderful.'

Some thoughts of the rum appeared to obtrude themselves on Mr

Weller's mind, as he said this; for he looked gloomy and thoughtful;

but he very shortly recovered, as was testified by a perfect alphabet of

winks, in which he was only wont to indulge when particularly

pleased.

Vell, now,' said Sam, 'about my affair. Just open them ears o' yourn,

and don't say nothin' till I've done.' With this preface, Sam related, as

succinctly as he could, the last memorable conversation he had had

with Mr Pickwick.

Stop there by himself, poor creetur!' exclaimed the elder Mr Weller,

without nobody to take his part! It can't be done, Samivel, it can't be

done.'

O' course it can't,' asserted Sam: 'I know'd that, afore I came.' 'Why,

they'll eat him up alive, Sammy,'exclaimed Mr Weller.

Sam nodded his concurrence in the opinion.

He goes in rayther raw, Sammy,' said Mr Weller metaphorically, 'and

he'll come out, done so ex-ceedin' brown, that his most formiliar

friends won't know him. Roast pigeon's nothin' to it, Sammy.'

Again Sam Weller nodded.

It oughtn't to be, Samivel,' said Mr Weller gravely.

The Pickwick Papers