Lor!' ejaculated that lady, starting at the sudden nature of the

communication.

'Yes,' said Mr Jackson, biting his lip. 'It's very important and pressing

business, which can't be postponed on any account. Indeed, Dodson

expressly said so to me, and so did Fogg. I've kept the coach on

purpose for you to go back in.'

How very strange!' exclaimed Mrs. Bardell.

The ladies agreed that it WAS very strange, but were unanimously of

opinion that it must be very important, or Dodson & Fogg would never

have sent; and further, that the business being urgent, she ought to

repair to Dodson & Fogg's without any delay.

There was a certain degree of pride and importance about being

wanted by one's lawyers in such a monstrous hurry, that was by no

means displeasing to Mrs. Bardell, especially as it might be

reasonably supposed to enhance her consequence in the eyes of the

first-floor lodger. She simpered a little, affected extreme vexation and

hesitation, and at last arrived at the conclusion that she supposed she

must go.

'But won't you refresh yourself after your walk, Mr Jackson?' said

Mrs. Bardell persuasively.

Why, really there ain't much time to lose,' replied Jackson; 'and I've

got a friend here,' he continued, looking towards the man with the ash

stick.

Oh, ask your friend to come here, Sir,' said Mrs. Bardell. 'Pray ask

your friend here, Sir.'

Why, thank'ee, I'd rather not,' said Mr Jackson, with some

embarrassment of manner. 'He's not much used to ladies' society, and

it makes him bashful. If you'll order the waiter to deliver him anything

short, he won't drink it off at once, won't he! - only try him!' Mr

Jackson's fingers wandered playfully round his nose at this portion of

his discourse, to warn his hearers that he was speaking ironically.

The waiter was at once despatched to the bashful gentleman, and the

bashful gentleman took something; Mr Jackson also took something,

and the ladies took something, for hospitality's sake. Mr Jackson then

said he was afraid it was time to go; upon which, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs.

Cluppins, and Tommy (who it was arranged should accompany Mrs.

Bardell, leaving the others to Mr Raddle's protection), got into the

coach.

The Pickwick Papers