Wery good,' rejoined Sam. 'Then, that's the wery best reason wy you

should alvays have somebody by you as understands you, to keep you

up and make you comfortable. If you vant a more polished sort o'

feller, vell and good, have him; but vages or no vages, notice or no

notice, board or no board, lodgin' or no lodgin', Sam Veller, as you

took from the old inn in the Borough, sticks by you, come what may;

and let ev'rythin' and ev'rybody do their wery fiercest, nothin' shall

ever perwent it!'

At the close of this declaration, which Sam made with great emotion,

the elder Mr Weller rose from his chair, and, forgetting all

considerations of time, place, or propriety, waved his hat above his

head, and gave three vehement cheers.

My good fellow,' said Mr Pickwick, when Mr Weller had sat down

again, rather abashed at his own enthusiasm, 'you are bound to

consider the young woman also.'

I do consider the young 'ooman, Sir,' said Sam. 'I have considered the

young 'ooman. I've spoke to her. I've told her how I'm sitivated; she's

ready to vait till I'm ready, and I believe she vill. If she don't, she's not

the young 'ooman I take her for, and I give her up vith readiness.

You've know'd me afore, Sir. My mind's made up, and nothin' can ever

alter it.'

Who could combat this resolution? Not Mr Pickwick. He derived, at

that moment, more pride and luxury of feeling from the disinterested

attachment of his humble friends, than ten thousand protestations

from the greatest men living could have awakened in his heart.

While this conversation was passing in Mr Pickwick's room, a little old

gentleman in a suit of snuff-coloured clothes, followed by a porter

carrying a small portmanteau, presented himself below; and, after

securing a bed for the night, inquired of the waiter whether one Mrs.

Winkle was staying there, to which question the waiter of course

responded in the affirmative.

Is she alone?' inquired the old gentleman.

I believe she is, Sir,' replied the waiter; 'I can call her own maid, Sir, if

you - '

No, I don't want her,' said the old gentleman quickly. 'Show me to her

room without announcing me.'

Eh, Sir?' said the waiter.

Are you deaf?' inquired the little old gentleman.

The Pickwick Papers