| 736 | 737 | 738 | 739 | 740 |
| 1 | 198 | 396 | 594 | 792 |
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'
'
Do you think he will come round?' inquired Mr Pickwick.
I think he will,' rejoined Perker. 'If not, we must try the young lady's
persuasion; and that is what anybody but you would have done at
first.'
Mr Perker was taking a pinch of snuff with various grotesque
contractions of countenance, eulogistic of the persuasive powers
appertaining unto young ladies, when the murmur of inquiry and
answer was heard in the outer office, and Lowten tapped at the door.
'
Come in!' cried the little man.
The clerk came in, and shut the door after him, with great mystery.
'
'
'
What's the matter?' inquired Perker.
You're wanted, Sir.'
Who wants me?'
Lowten looked at Mr Pickwick, and coughed.
'
'
'
Who wants me? Can't you speak, Mr Lowten?'
Why, sir,' replied Lowten, 'it's Dodson; and Fogg is with him.'
Bless my life!' said the little man, looking at his watch, 'I appointed
them to be here at half-past eleven, to settle that matter of yours,
Pickwick. I gave them an undertaking on which they sent down your
discharge; it's very awkward, my dear Sir; what will you do? Would
you like to step into the next room?'
The next room being the identical room in which Messrs. Dodson &
Fogg were, Mr Pickwick replied that he would remain where he was:
the more especially as Messrs. Dodson & Fogg ought to be ashamed to
look him in the face, instead of his being ashamed to see them. Which
latter circumstance he begged Mr Perker to note, with a glowing
countenance and many marks of indignation.
'
Very well, my dear Sir, very well,' replied Perker, 'I can only say that if
you expect either Dodson or Fogg to exhibit any symptom of shame or
confusion at having to look you, or anybody else, in the face, you are
the most sanguine man in your expectations that I ever met with.
Show them in, Mr Lowten.'
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