Lowten!' cried Perker, at this moment. 'Open the door.'

Wait one instant,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Perker, I WILL speak.'

My dear Sir, pray let the matter rest where it is,' said the little

attorney, who had been in a state of nervous apprehension during the

whole interview; 'Mr Pickwick, I beg - '

I will not be put down, Sir,' replied Mr Pickwick hastily. 'Mr Dodson,

you have addressed some remarks to me.'

Dodson turned round, bent his head meekly, and smiled.

Some remarks to me,' repeated Mr Pickwick, almost breathless; 'and

your partner has tendered me his hand, and you have both assumed

a tone of forgiveness and high-mindedness, which is an extent of

impudence that I was not prepared for, even in you.'

What, sir!' exclaimed Dodson.

What, sir!' reiterated Fogg.

Do you know that I have been the victim of your plots and

conspiracies?' continued Mr Pickwick. 'Do you know that I am the

man whom you have been imprisoning and robbing? Do you know

that you were the attorneys for the plaintiff, in Bardell and Pickwick?'

'Yes, sir, we do know it,' replied Dodson.

Of course we know it, Sir,' rejoined Fogg, slapping his pocket -

perhaps by accident.

I see that you recollect it with satisfaction,' said Mr Pickwick,

attempting to call up a sneer for the first time in his life, and failing

most signally in so doing. 'Although I have long been anxious to tell

you, in plain terms, what my opinion of you is, I should have let even

this opportunity pass, in deference to my friend Perker's wishes, but

for the unwarrantable tone you have assumed, and your insolent

familiarity. I say insolent familiarity, sir,' said Mr Pickwick, turning

upon Fogg with a fierceness of gesture which caused that person to

retreat towards the door with great expedition.

Take care, Sir,' said Dodson, who, though he was the biggest man of

the party, had prudently entrenched himself behind Fogg, and was

speaking over his head with a very pale face. 'Let him assault you, Mr

Fogg; don't return it on any account.'

The Pickwick Papers