'Perhaps not,' replied Mr Pickwick; 'but as I have no intention of trying

any such experiments, I am not likely to come to want. I must beg you

to take this back, Mr Weller.' 'Wery well,' said Mr Weller, with a

discontented look. 'Mark my vords, Sammy, I'll do somethin' desperate

vith this here property; somethin' desperate!'

You'd better not,' replied Sam.

Mr Weller reflected for a short time, and then, buttoning up his coat

with great determination, said -

I'll keep a pike.'

Wot!' exclaimed Sam.

A pike!' rejoined Mr Weller, through his set teeth; 'I'll keep a pike. Say

good-bye to your father, Samivel. I dewote the remainder of my days to

a pike.'

This threat was such an awful one, and Mr Weller, besides appearing

fully resolved to carry it into execution, seemed so deeply mortified by

Mr Pickwick's refusal, that that gentleman, after a short reflection,

said -

Well, well, Mr Weller, I will keep your money. I can do more good with

it, perhaps, than you can.'

Just the wery thing, to be sure,' said Mr Weller, brightening up; 'o'

course you can, sir.'

Say no more about it,' said Mr Pickwick, locking the pocket- book in

his desk; 'I am heartily obliged to you, my good friend. Now sit down

again. I want to ask your advice.'

The internal laughter occasioned by the triumphant success of his

visit, which had convulsed not only Mr Weller's face, but his arms,

legs, and body also, during the locking up of the pocket- book,

suddenly gave place to the most dignified gravity as he heard these

words.

Wait outside a few minutes, Sam, will you?' said Mr Pickwick.

Sam immediately withdrew.

Mr Weller looked uncommonly wise and very much amazed, when Mr

Pickwick opened the discourse by saying -

'You are not an advocate for matrimony, I think, Mr Weller?'

The Pickwick Papers