Are you ashamed of yourself, Sir, or are you not?' inquired the old

gentleman.

No, Sir,' replied Mr Winkle, drawing Arabella's arm through his. 'I am

not ashamed of myself, or of my wife either.'

Upon my word!' cried the old gentleman ironically.

I am very sorry to have done anything which has lessened your

affection for me, Sir,' said Mr Winkle; 'but I will say, at the same time,

that I have no reason to be ashamed of having this lady for my wife,

nor you of having her for a daughter.'

Give me your hand, Nat,' said the old gentleman, in an altered voice.

Kiss me, my love. You are a very charming little daughter-in-law after

all!'

In a few minutes' time Mr Winkle went in search of Mr Pickwick, and

returning with that gentleman, presented him to his father,

whereupon they shook hands for five minutes incessantly.

Mr Pickwick, I thank you most heartily for all your kindness to my

son,' said old Mr Winkle, in a bluff, straightforward way. 'I am a hasty

fellow, and when I saw you last, I was vexed and taken by surprise. I

have judged for myself now, and am more than satisfied. Shall I make

any more apologies, Mr Pickwick?'

'Not one,' replied that gentleman. 'You have done the only thing

wanting to complete my happiness.'

Hereupon there was another shaking of hands for five minutes longer,

accompanied by a great number of complimentary speeches, which,

besides being complimentary, had the additional and very novel

recommendation of being sincere.

Sam had dutifully seen his father to the Belle Sauvage, when, on

returning, he encountered the fat boy in the court, who had been

charged with the delivery of a note from Emily Wardle.

I say,' said Joe, who was unusually loquacious, 'what a pretty girl

Mary is, isn't she? I am SO fond of her, I am!'

Mr Weller made no verbal remark in reply; but eyeing the fat boy for a

moment, quite transfixed at his presumption, led him by the collar to

the corner, and dismissed him with a harmless but ceremonious kick.

After which, he walked home, whistling.

The Pickwick Papers