through life by the society of my friends, and followed in death by

their affectionate remembrance.'

Here Mr Pickwick paused, and a low murmur ran round the table.

'The house I have taken,' said Mr Pickwick, 'is at Dulwich. It has a

large garden, and is situated in one of the most pleasant spots near

London. It has been fitted up with every attention to substantial

comfort; perhaps to a little elegance besides; but of that you shall

judge for yourselves. Sam accompanies me there. I have engaged, on

Perker's representation, a housekeeper - a very old one - and such

other servants as she thinks I shall require. I propose to consecrate

this little retreat, by having a ceremony in which I take a great

interest, performed there. I wish, if my friend Wardle entertains no

objection, that his daughter should be married from my new house,

on the day I take possession of it. The happiness of young people,'

said Mr Pickwick, a little moved, 'has ever been the chief pleasure of

my life. It will warm my heart to witness the happiness of those

friends who are dearest to me, beneath my own roof.'

Mr Pickwick paused again: Emily and Arabella sobbed audibly.

I have communicated, both personally and by letter, with the club,'

resumed Mr Pickwick, 'acquainting them with my intention. During

our long absence, it has suffered much from internal dissentions; and

the withdrawal of my name, coupled with this and other

circumstances, has occasioned its dissolution. The Pickwick Club

exists no longer.

'I shall never regret,' said Mr Pickwick in a low voice, 'I shall never

regret having devoted the greater part of two years to mixing with

different varieties and shades of human character, frivolous as my

pursuit of novelty may have appeared to many. Nearly the whole of my

previous life having been devoted to business and the pursuit of

wealth, numerous scenes of which I had no previous conception have

dawned upon me - I hope to the enlargement of my mind, and the

improvement of my understanding. If I have done but little good, I

trust I have done less harm, and that none of my adventures will be

other than a source of amusing and pleasant recollection to me in the

decline of life. God bless you all!'

With these words, Mr Pickwick filled and drained a bumper with a

trembling hand; and his eyes moistened as his friends rose with one

accord, and pledged him from their hearts.

There were few preparatory arrangements to be made for the marriage

of Mr Snodgrass. As he had neither father nor mother, and had been

in his minority a ward of Mr Pickwick's, that gentleman was perfectly

The Pickwick Papers