Before Mr Pickwick could reply, before Mr Perker had taken one

twentieth part of the snuff with which so unusually long an address

imperatively required to be followed up, there was a low murmuring of

voices outside, and then a hesitating knock at the door.

Dear, dear,' exclaimed Mr Pickwick, who had been evidently roused

by his friend's appeal; 'what an annoyance that door is! Who is that?'

'Me, Sir,' replied Sam Weller, putting in his head.

I can't speak to you just now, Sam,' said Mr Pickwick. 'I am engaged

at this moment, Sam.'

Beg your pardon, Sir,' rejoined Mr Weller. 'But here's a lady here, Sir,

as says she's somethin' wery partickler to disclose.'

I can't see any lady,' replied Mr Pickwick, whose mind was filled with

visions of Mrs. Bardell.

I wouldn't make too sure o' that, Sir,' urged Mr Weller, shaking his

head. 'If you know'd who was near, sir, I rayther think you'd change

your note; as the hawk remarked to himself vith a cheerful laugh, ven

he heerd the robin-redbreast a-singin' round the corner.'

Who is it?' inquired Mr Pickwick.

Will you see her, Sir?' asked Mr Weller, holding the door in his hand

as if he had some curious live animal on the other side.

'I suppose I must,' said Mr Pickwick, looking at Perker.

'Well then, all in to begin!' cried Sam. 'Sound the gong, draw up the

curtain, and enter the two conspiraytors.'

As Sam Weller spoke, he threw the door open, and there rushed

tumultuously into the room, Mr Nathaniel Winkle, leading after him

by the hand, the identical young lady who at Dingley Dell had worn

the boots with the fur round the tops, and who, now a very pleasing

compound of blushes and confusion, and lilac silk, and a smart

bonnet, and a rich lace veil, looked prettier than ever.

Miss Arabella Allen!' exclaimed Mr Pickwick, rising from his chair.

No,' replied Mr Winkle, dropping on his knees. 'Mrs. Winkle. Pardon,

my dear friend, pardon!'

Mr Pickwick could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses, and

perhaps would not have done so, but for the corroborative testimony

The Pickwick Papers