Mrs. Sanders, who, according to custom, was very busy with the

bread-and-butter, expressed the same opinion, and Mr Raddle quietly

retired.

After this, there was a great hoisting up of Master Bardell, who was

rather a large size for hugging, into his mother's arms, in which

operation he got his boots in the tea-board, and occasioned some

confusion among the cups and saucers. But that description of

fainting fits, which is contagious among ladies, seldom lasts long; so

when he had been well kissed, and a little cried over, Mrs. Bardell

recovered, set him down again, wondering how she could have been so

foolish, and poured out some more tea.

It was at this moment, that the sound of approaching wheels was

heard, and that the ladies, looking up, saw a hackney-coach stop at

the garden gate.

More company!' said Mrs. Sanders.

It's a gentleman,' said Mrs. Raddle.

Well, if it ain't Mr Jackson, the young man from Dodson and Fogg's!'

cried Mrs. Bardell. 'Why, gracious! Surely Mr Pickwick can't have paid

the damages.'

'Or hoffered marriage!' said Mrs. Cluppins.

'Dear me, how slow the gentleman is,'exclaimed Mrs. Rogers. 'Why

doesn't he make haste!'

As the lady spoke these words, Mr Jackson turned from the coach

where he had been addressing some observations to a shabby man in

black leggings, who had just emerged from the vehicle with a thick

ash stick in his hand, and made his way to the place where the ladies

were seated; winding his hair round the brim of his hat, as he came

along. 'Is anything the matter? Has anything taken place, Mr

Jackson?' said Mrs. Bardell eagerly.

Nothing whatever, ma'am,' replied Mr Jackson. 'How de do, ladies? I

have to ask pardon, ladies, for intruding - but the law, ladies - the

law.' With this apology Mr Jackson smiled, made a comprehensive

bow, and gave his hair another wind. Mrs. Rogers whispered Mrs.

Raddle that he was really an elegant young man.

'I called in Goswell Street,' resumed Mr Jackson, 'and hearing that

you were here, from the slavey, took a coach and came on. Our people

want you down in the city directly, Mrs. Bardell.'

The Pickwick Papers