Chapter LVI

An Important Conference Takes Place Between Mr Pickwick And

Samuel Weller, At Which His Parent Assists - An Old Gentleman In

A Snuff- Coloured Suit Arrives Unexpectedly

Mr Pickwick was sitting alone, musing over many things, and thinking

among other considerations how he could best provide for the young

couple whose present unsettled condition was matter of constant

regret and anxiety to him, when Mary stepped lightly into the room,

and, advancing to the table, said, rather hastily -

'Oh, if you please, Sir, Samuel is downstairs, and he says may his

father see you?'

Surely,' replied Mr Pickwick.

Thank you, Sir,' said Mary, tripping towards the door again.

Sam has not been here long, has he?' inquired Mr Pickwick.

Oh, no, Sir,' replied Mary eagerly. 'He has only just come home. He is

not going to ask you for any more leave, Sir, he says.'

Mary might have been conscious that she had communicated this last

intelligence with more warmth than seemed actually necessary, or she

might have observed the good-humoured smile with which Mr

Pickwick regarded her, when she had finished speaking. She certainly

held down her head, and examined the corner of a very smart little

apron, with more closeness than there appeared any absolute

occasion for.

'Tell them they can come up at once, by all means,' said Mr Pickwick.

Mary, apparently much relieved, hurried away with her message.

Mr Pickwick took two or three turns up and down the room; and,

rubbing his chin with his left hand as he did so, appeared lost in

thought.

Well, well,' said Mr Pickwick, at length in a kind but somewhat

melancholy tone, 'it is the best way in which I could reward him for

his attachment and fidelity; let it be so, in Heaven's name. It is the

fate of a lonely old man, that those about him should form new and

different attachments and leave him. I have no right to expect that it

should be otherwise with me. No, no,' added Mr Pickwick more

cheerfully, 'it would be selfish and ungrateful. I ought to be happy to

The Pickwick Papers