( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Time and feeding had expanded that once romantic form; the black silkwaistcoat had become more and more developed; inch by inch had the goldwatch-chain beneath it disappeared from within the range of Tupman'svision; and gradually had the capacious chin encroached upon theborders of the white cravat: but the soul of Tupman had known nochange--admiration of the fair sex was still its ruling passion.
Sudden disappearance--talkof the whole city--search made everywhere without success--publicfountain in the great square suddenly ceased playing--weekselapsed--still a stoppage--workmen employed to clean it--water drawnoff--father-in-law discovered sticking head first in the main pipe,with a full confession in his right boot--took him out, and the fountainplayed away again, as well as ever.
Havingpreviously tested the virtues of a bumper, which had been mixed by thedismal man, the stranger applied the glass to Mr. Pickwick's mouth; andthe remainder of its contents rapidly disappeared.
These, and other practical witticisms, coupled withthe unaccountable absence of Mr. Tupman (who had suddenly disappeared,and was nowhere to be found), rendered their situation upon the wholerather more uncomfortable than pleasing or desirable.
They sat down to the meal; and broiled ham, eggs, tea, coffeeand sundries, began to disappear with a rapidity which at once boretestimony to the excellence of the fare, and the appetites of itsconsumers.
( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There was a vast deal of talking and rattling of knives and forks, andplates; a great running about of three ponderous-headed waiters, and arapid disappearance of the substantial viands on the table; to each andevery of which item of confusion, the facetious Mr. Jingle lent the aidof half-a-dozen ordinary men at least.
His head dropped upon hisbreast; and, muttering his invincible determination not to go to hisbed, and a sanguinary regret that he had not 'done for old Tupman' inthe morning, he fell fast asleep; in which condition he was borne to hisapartment by two young giants under the personal superintendence ofthe fat boy, to whose protecting care Mr. Snodgrass shortly afterwardsconfided his own person, Mr. Pickwick accepted the proffered arm of Mr.Tupman and quietly disappeared, smiling more than ever; and Mr. Wardle,after taking as affectionate a leave of the whole family as if he wereordered for immediate execution, consigned to Mr. Trundle the honour ofconveying him upstairs, and retired, with a very futile attempt to lookimpressively solemn and dignified.
But Mr.Jingle had disappeared, and he found himself caught in the arms of Sam.